The Opium Wars of 1839 to 1842 and 1856 to 1860 marked a new stage in
China’s relations with the West. This unit focuses on the first Opium
War, with particular attention to the visual record of the opium trade
linking England, India, and China; the military assault of British
forces on China; and the conclusion of the first of the "unequal
treaties" that redefined China’s position in the world.