The historical significance of the Opium Wars (1839-1842 and 1856-1860) lies in their profound impact on China and the wider world. These conflicts between Britain and China stemmed from Britain's illegal opium trade, which caused social and economic issues in China. The wars resulted in the Treaty of Nanking and subsequent treaties that favored foreign powers, marking the beginning of the "century of humiliation" for China. The Opium Wars highlighted the dangers of imperialism, led to significant territorial concessions, and altered China's relations with Western powers, as well as influencing global drug policy and international trade standards.