The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

OPIUM WARS

The first opium war was the war between Britain and China, lasting from 1839 to 1842, brought on by the confiscation by the Chinese Government of British opium stores in Canton and the murder of a Chinese by British sailors. The British victory led to five Chinese ports being opened to British trade and residence. A second opium war occurred from 1856 to 1860 between Britain and France, on one side, and China on the other. The allied victory opened further ports to western trade.
Research Opium Wars