The Opium WarsTrade leading to exploitation and conflict

What’s Opium?

Originally used for medicinal purposes in China. Narcotic drug that had been used for centuries both medically and recreationally. Highly addictive drug that, if used recreationally, was very damaging to a person’s health. By end of 1700s, it was banned across Europe and parts of Asia.

Long Term CausesCultural and Diplomatic Differences

By the 19th century (1800s), both China and Britain saw themselves as world superpowers. Both viewed each other as “barbaric” and “inferior”. Foreign relations saw both take superior positions among other nations.

Economic Differences/Attitude Towards Trade British were frustrated by the “closed door” trade policy in China. (Canton System) They wanted an “open door” (Free Trade) policy with China. 2 diplomatic missions (1793 and 1816) both failed to open trade relations with China

Short-Term CausesDispute over opium trade

British wanted something of value to trade in China. Decided on opium. Introduced the drug as a recreational habit, it quickly took hold in China. Sold by the British East India Company.

Opium addiction destroyed families, but was extremely profitable for British merchants. China banned importation of the drug, British EIC sold to Chinese smugglers who brought the drug into China. Despite bans, the opium trade grew and grew…. Sounds like a season of Narcos.

Immediate Causes

Britain claims exterritoriality. Meant British people were able to be tried for crimes under English laws.

A Chinese blockade was set up in response, and the British sent warships as an answer.

End of the First Opium WarLasted for 3 years (1839-1842). English better trained and better armed. China was fighting to stop the import of a drug into their country, British were fighting to keep the valuable trade alive. Resulted in the Treaty of Nanjing, very good for the British.

Treaty of Nanjing

Terms of the treaty: 4 additional ports opened up to trade with the West. Extraterritoriality for British people. British given special rights, “Concession Areas” China had to pay 21 million silver dollars for war, and opium that was destroyed. Britain given port city of Hong Kong. Britain given ‘most favored nation’ status.

2nd Opium War

As humiliating and devastating for the Chinese as the First Opium War. Resulted in a treaty and later more concessions that helped Europeans and hurt the Chinese.