Using complete sentences, explain the main cause of the Anglo-Chinese Wars. What four changes resulted from the treaty after the war?

1 answer

The main cause of the Anglo-Chinese Wars was a clash of interests between Britain and China over trade, sovereignty, and territorial control. The British wanted to expand their trade with China, particularly in opium, which was illegal in China but highly profitable for the British. The Chinese resisted the British demands and took strong measures to stop the opium trade, leading to armed conflicts between the two nations.

The treaty that ended the war resulted in four major changes. First, China had to open up more treaty ports for British trade, which gave the British greater access to the Chinese market. Second, Hong Kong was ceded to Britain, which became an important center of British commercial and strategic interests in East Asia. Third, China had to pay a large indemnity to Britain as compensation for the war. Fourth, China had to sign a series of "unequal treaties" with other Western powers, which further weakened Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity.