The Economic, Social, and Political Effects of The Opium War

Throughout Chinese history political and economic events have led to drastic changes in China’s economy and government. Many of these events have been internal, involving struggles within China. Others have been external, such as the Opium War. The Opium War was a political and economic event in China’s history that has led to social, economic and political changes in China. The Opium War is more than just a war, the results and changes it made created a deep impact on China and the Western World.

Before the Opium War, China’s relationship with the Western World was radically different. China considered itself better than any other civilizations. The Chinese believed the Chinese empire was the Central Kingdom in the ideal world order. The Emperor of China was thought to be the elder brother of all surrounding kings and emperors. China had little contact with the West due to the fact that natural and political barriers were in the way. It was only when the West turned to China...