What were the major events and battles of the Opium War?

The Opium War, which occurred between 1839 and 1842, was a significant conflict between China and Britain. The war was primarily fought due to the trade imbalance between the two nations and the British desire to maintain their profitable opium trade with China. The major events of the war began with the Chinese crackdown on the illegal opium trade, resulting in the destruction of British opium in Guangzhou. As a response, the British sent their naval force, starting the Battle of Chuanbi. It was followed by the Battle of First Bar, where the Chinese were eventually defeated. Subsequently, the British captured Nanjing and forced the signing of the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. This treaty marked the end of the war and resulted in the ceding of Hong Kong to Britain, the opening of five treaty ports for trade, and the establishment of extraterritoriality for British citizens in China. The Opium War had a profound impact on China, leading to internal reforms, the weakening of the Qing dynasty, and an increase in Western influence.

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