Answer:
opium
Explanation:
Between 1811 and 1821, the annual volume of opium imports into China was around 4,500 15-kilo packages (67.5 tons). That number quadrupled by 1835 and, four years later, reached the point where the country imported 450 tons, or one gram for each of China's 450 million people at the time.
The British East India Company maintained intense trade with the Chinese, buying tea and selling opium brought from India. The drug accounted for half of British exports to China. The first decree banning the use of opium dated from 1800, but was never respected.
In 1839, the drug seriously threatened not only the country's finances but also the health of soldiers. Corruption was raging. On March 18, the Chinese emperor issued a new decree, with a strong appeal to the population.
On March 18, 1839, the emperor of China prohibited the importation of opium from foreign organizations and announces the death penalty to the offenders. Mainly hit, the British continued to export and start the Opium War.
