The Opium Wars: China and the West
In the 19th century, a series of conflicts between China and Western powers, known as the Opium Wars, had a profound impact on the course of history. These wars, fueled by economic interests, power struggles, and cultural clashes, reshaped China’s relationship with the outside world and left a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today. Background: The Opium Trade and Imbalance During the 18th century, the British East India Company began to export opium from India to China in exchange for Chinese goods, creating a lucrative trade that led to a significant influx of silver into China....