What was the cause and result of the First Opium War in China?
The First Opium War was a trade-inspired war between the United Kingdom and the Qing Empire in China from 1839 to 1842. It is often seen as the beginning of European imperial hegemony towards China. The conflict began a long history of resentment toward Western society that still has remnants today. In the early 19th century, trading in goods from China was extremely lucrative for Europeans. But trade to China suffered from the fact that China professed no interest in foreign products, such that it was difficult to find trading goods the Chinese might buy. Silver was one, to the extent that the drain on European specie metals was noticeably affecting the economy. In casting about for other possible commodities, the British soon discovered opium, and would use its narcotic effects to full capitalist effect. Between 1821 and 1837 imports of the drug increased five-fold. The Chinese government attempted to end this trade, on public health grounds –numerous opium addicts were appearing in
