What was the main effect of the Opium Wars on China? 🔊
The main effect of the Opium Wars on China was the weakening of Qing Dynasty sovereignty and the imposition of unequal treaties. The first Opium War (1839-1842) forced China to cede Hong Kong to Britain and open several ports to foreign trade, which eroded its economic control. The second Opium War (1856-1860) further humiliated China, leading to additional concessions and territorial losses. These wars highlighted China’s vulnerabilities and spurred internal strife, contributing to the Taiping and Boxer Rebellions. The aftermath marked a significant decline in imperial power and catalyzed the push for modernization and reform in China.


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