Opium Wars

September 4, 1839 – October 24, 1860 · People's Republic of China

Britain, later joined by France, fought two wars against Qing China over the opium trade and access to Chinese markets. China lost both wars and had to sign unequal treaties that opened ports and ceded Hong Kong.

First Opium War

Qing Dynasty

Battles 2

Before and after

Ended by
Treaty of Nanking August 29, 1842
Convention of Peking October 18, 1860

Related events 1 degree away • 2 degrees away

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Opium Wars