Question

For years, China had enjoyed a favorable balance of trade with foreign nations. But the British trade of ______ with China disrupted the economy in the early 1800s and led to wars between the two nations.

Answer 1

For years, China had enjoyed a favorable balance of trade with foreign nations. But the British trade of Opium with China disrupted the economy in the early 1800s and led to wars between the two nations.

The illegal trade of Opium that Britain was having with China caused a deep disruption of society and economy, leading to the First and Second Opium Wars.

Answer 2

Opium

Explanation:

British Opium Trade with China resulted in shifting Gold reserves from China to Britain because of huge trade surplus resulting from Opium trade. China tried to stop Opium trade which led to war between the two states. The first Opium War was fought in 1839 and the second Opium War in 1860. These wars resulted in weaking on Qing Dynasty in China and forced it to open trade with other nations.