First Opium War

Opium trade transformed China's 1810 $26 million surplus to a 1830s $34 million deficit.

China tried repeatedly to ban opium, first in 1729, then many times thereafter.

In 1839, the Chinese confiscated and burned a year's supply of opium.

A series of diplomatic mis-steps over the next several months gave the British pretext for war. 1839-1842.

First opium war ends with Treaty of Nanking committing China to free trade in opium and ceding to British Hong Kong and rights at several other Chinese ports.

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