The Opium TradeBy Kim,Joe,Robin,Rebecca,Linnea

The Opium TradeThe first opium war took place in 1839 and ended in 1842 the wars came about because England bought many trading goods such as tea and silk from china but china had not wished to trade with England in the first place. England became worried about the risk of a drop in trade so they then began smuggling opium (a smokable and consumable drug) into china which caused an entire opium related subculture to form in china.

The Opium WarThe chinese government became angry over the lack of trade and the drain on their silver caused by the drug and the emperor demanded that all companies British or Chinese burn their stocks of opium. The british government were angered by this and sent expeditionary forces from india to ravage the coast of china, they then dictated the terms of settlement for the treaty of Nanking which opened the way for a much bigger opium trade.

Opium In MedicineDuring the 18th century opium was used as a sedative and relaxants especially in people who suffered from nervous disorders, it was also used as a treatment for people who were considered insane. It's euphoric effects were useful in treating patients who suffered from depression. However only later did they realise that after the high had worn off depressed patients became even more depressed and was therefore not very effective. Despite this fact opium was used for medicinal purposes well into the 19th century