What were the causes of the Opium War?

The Opium War, which took place between China and Britain from 1839 to 1842, was primarily caused by the conflicting interests and actions of both nations. One of the main causes was the British desire to trade with China and access its highly sought-after goods, such as tea and porcelain. However, China had strict regulations and limited trading ports, which led to a trade imbalance. To address this, the British began exporting opium, grown in India, to China, causing widespread addiction and social problems within Chinese society. The Chinese government, recognizing the harmful effects of opium, attempted to crack down on its importation, leading to conflicts with British traders and eventually culminating in the Opium War. Ultimately, the Opium War was rooted in the clash of economic interests, cultural differences, and the desire for control over trade routes, reflecting the broader tensions between China and Western powers during the 19th century.

This mind map was published on 18 September 2023 and has been viewed 42 times.