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The Chinese Emperor issues an edict, limiting the use of opium to medicinal purposes and requiring sales under licensure. As more and more Chinese began mixing opium with tobacco for recreational use, the government tightened restrictions. image
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In the 18th century, British mercantilism and industrialization experienced rapid growth and the nation's demand for Chinese imports was on the rise. The imbalance of trade was part of the impetus for the British to bring opium to the vast Chinese market. As a result, two wars ensued regarding the issues of Chinese sovereignty and British interests in trade, among others.
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The British-East India Company gains control of opium producing territory in India. England increases production as a cash crop to trade with China, despite the government restrictions there. image
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British demand for Chinese imports is high, as tea and silks become increasingly popular. To correct the imbalance of trade, England begins to import more and more opium from its territories in India. Opium consumption rises in China
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The Qing Dynasty bans opium from China. Despite the official ban, opium smuggling along China's border runs rampant as does corruption amid the illegal trade. Chinese addicted to opium rises to millions of citizens.
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England goes to war with China for closing off trade with foreign nations, including Britains cash crop, opium. The war is initiated as Britain sends expeditionary war ships to the coast of China. image
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The treaty of Nanjing marked the end of the first Opium War and forced China to open its borders to foreign trade image
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France and the United States form their own treaties with China to facilitate trade. The U.S. also persuaded China to adopt an "Open Door" policy on trade. image
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Tensions were high as the Chinese continued to withstand British demands on opening trade and exemptions from import tariffs. England ultimately initiated war again in the interests of trade. image
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Russia forms a similar treaty to the one signed by the British in Nanjing. These treaties include provisions on extraterritoriality, whereby foreigners are immune from Chinese law. This further impedes Chinese borders.
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The second Opium War leads to another Chinese defeat. China is forced to pay more indemnities and opium is forcibly legalized. Amid the internal turmoil of the Taiping Rebellion, opium became a fixture in the domestic economy. image
