The Opium Wars, which occurred in the mid-19th century, were conflicts between China and Western powers, primarily Britain, driven by the trade of opium. British merchants illegally exported opium from India to China, leading to widespread addiction and social disruption. The Qing Dynasty's attempts to suppress the opium trade resulted in tensions with Britain, leading to the First Opium War (1839-1842) and the Second Opium War (1856-1860). The outcomes of these wars forced China to sign unequal treaties, cede territory like Hong Kong, and open several ports to foreign trade. The Opium Wars highlighted issues of imperialism and led to significant socio-political changes in China.