The Opium Wars for AP World History

Jan 28

2 min read

The Opium Wars is an illustrative example for the Economic Imperialism topic in Unit 6 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.

Depiction of the 1860 battle of Taku Forts — The 1860 Battle of Taku Forts/public domain

The Opium Wars, spanning from 1839 to 1860, were a series of conflicts between China and Western powers, primarily Britain. These wars were driven by economic interests, particularly Britain’s desire to maintain its lucrative opium trade with China. The outcomes of the Opium Wars reshaped China’s relations with the West and had far-reaching consequences for both nations.

In the early 19th century, China’s economy was heavily regulated, and foreign trade was restricted to the port of Canton (now Guangzhou). British merchants sought to address their trade imbalance with China by selling opium grown in British-controlled India. Despite Chinese prohibitions, the opium trade flourished, leading to widespread addiction and social unrest.

The First Opium War (1839-1842)

Tensions escalated when Chinese authorities confiscated and destroyed British opium shipments, prompting Britain to respond with military force. The superior firepower of British naval forces quickly overwhelmed China, leading to the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. This treaty forced China to cede Hong Kong to Britain, open several ports to foreign trade, grant extraterritorial rights to British citizens, and pay a large indemnity.

The Second Opium War (1856-1860)

Further disputes over trade and diplomatic issues reignited conflict between China and Western powers. The Second Opium War saw Britain, along with France, inflict further military defeats on China, resulting in the Treaty of Tientsin in 1858 and the Convention of Peking in 1860. These agreements legalized the opium trade, expanded access to Chinese markets, and granted additional concessions to Western powers.

The Opium Wars marked a turning point in Sino-Western relations, exposing China’s vulnerability to foreign aggression and leading to a period of internal turmoil known as the “Century of Humiliation.” The unequal treaties imposed on China undermined its sovereignty and contributed to the decline of the Qing dynasty. Meanwhile, the Opium Wars facilitated the expansion of Western influence in China and paved the way for further colonial encroachments in Asia.

The Opium Wars were a watershed moment in modern Chinese history, symbolizing the onset of Western imperialism and the beginning of China’s struggle for national rejuvenation. The legacies of these conflicts continue to shape China’s relations with the West and serve as a reminder of the enduring impacts of colonialism and unequal treaties.