Question

How did the British opium trade impact China in the early 1800's?

Answer 1

Answer:

Opium is extracted from opium poppy. Although opium is considered to be a good cure for neurological disorders, it has a negative effect on people who use opium for a long time. Opium causes irreparable damage to the human body of addicts. In the 19th century, trade between China and Britain was not equal. Chinese products such as silk and tea are very popular in Europe. Due to the large population of China and the country’s policy of isolating the country from the outside world, Britain believes that now is a good time to change this situation, which opens the door to the opium trade. Britain began to develop opium trade with China through the East India Company. The East India Company just liked the epitome of the British government in Asia in the 18th century. In 1757, the East India Company took control of the main poppy growing areas in India. The British government receives taxes from these imports and exports. In addition, several boxes of opium were sold at an auction in Kolkata and then smuggled to China. In 1735, there were 200 boxes per year, and then in 1786, each box increased to 1,000. In 1850, 30,000 boxes entered China every year. The opium trade has become one of the most valuable single commodity trade in the world.

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