How did the Opium War affect China's relationship with foreign powers?

The Opium War, which took place between 1839 and 1842, had a profound impact on China's relationship with foreign powers. Prior to the war, China's relationship with these powers was characterized by a belief in their own superiority and a determination to remain isolated from the rest of the world. However, the Opium War shattered this notion of invincibility, as China suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the technologically advanced British forces. As a result, China was forced to sign the Treaty of Nanking, which not only ceded Hong Kong to the British and opened up five ports for foreign trade, but also imposed unequal treaties, extraterritoriality, and financial compensation on China. This led to a significant loss of sovereignty and control over its own affairs. The Opium War irreversibly altered China's relationship with foreign powers, making it evident that China needed to modernize and reevaluate its isolationist policies.

This mind map was published on 6 September 2023 and has been viewed 95 times.