5T CHINESE HISTORY

THE OPIUM WARS 1839-1842

By Robert Musson 5T

•The first war between England and China, known

popularly as the Opium War, was fought between

the United Kingdom and the Qing dynasty of China

caused by conflicting viewpoints on diplomatic

relations, trade, and the administration of justice.

Qing Dynasty Flag

• The selling of Opium from England(product from

India) to China was an important source of wealth.

Chinese officials wished to control the spread of

opium and took many supplies of opium from British

traders. The British government, although not

officially denying China's right to control imports

and used its military power to bully the Chinese to

submission.