The Opium Wars, fought between China and Western powers in the mid-19th century, had significant repercussions for China. The first Opium War (1839-1842) was triggered by Britain's illegal opium trade, which resulted in widespread addiction in China. The war concluded with the Treaty of Nanking, which imposed humiliating terms on China, including opening several ports to foreign trade and ceding Hong Kong to Britain. The second Opium War (1856-1860) further weakened China’s sovereignty, leading to additional concessions. These conflicts highlighted Western imperialism's impact and led to the decline of the Qing Dynasty, social unrest, and a reevaluation of China's position in a rapidly changing global landscape.