The First Opium War allowed the United Kingdom to gain control over Hong Kong.
The United Kingdom, like many other European countries during this time, were colonizing many parts of the world for profitable reasons. Hong Kong was one of the many colonies that the United Kingdom obtained from 1842-1997. How the United Kingdom obtained Hong Kong from China was through the Opium War. The Opium War was a series of trade conflicts, internal problems and conflicts within the Chinese officials, and the desperation of Chinese goods by European countries.
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Trade ConflictsChina had many goods that were highly valued in the European continent but the Europeans didn't have many things that the Chinese wanted. Because of this, trade was very limited between the United Kingdom and China.
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Problems created by opiumOpium smuggling caused the increased use of opium by the Chinese people. As a result, it corrupted many people, including the officials. This posed for a big problem for the Emperor because too many people were addicted to opium.
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The Treaty of NanjingAfter China's defeat in the First Opium War, the Emperor was forced to sign the Treaty of Nanjing which officially allowed British to occupy Hong Kong.
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