"The Lion and the Dragon: Britain’s Opium Wars with China, " Topic

…1839-1860

"During the mid-19th century, Britain and China would twice go to war over trade and opium in particular. The Chinese had become addicted to the narcotic, a habit that British merchants were more than happy to feed from their opium poppy fields in India. When the Qing dynasty rulers attempted to supress this trade – due to the serious social and economic problems it caused – the British Government responded with force. The first conflict, known as the First Anglo-Chinese War or First Opium War (1839-42), ended in British victory and the Treaty of Nanking. However, this treaty was heavily biased in favour of the British, and it would not be long before there was a renewal of hostilities, taking the form of what became known as the Second Anglo-Chinese War or Second Opium War (1856-60). Again, the second conflict would end with an ‘unequal treaty' that was heavily biased towards the victor. The Lion and the Dragon: Britain's Opium Wars with China 1839-1860 examines the causes and ensuing military history of these tragic conflicts, as well as their bitter legacies."

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Amicalement
Armand

thanx.

Great timing! After reading a really good book on the first Afghan War (Dalrymple), I was looking for one on this simultaneous conflict.

A votre service mes amis!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand