Question

How were the Opium Wars an example of imperialism in China?

Answer 1

For years, Britain and China traded goods with one another, but the trade was very lopsided in the latter's favor. Chinese merchants accepted only silver in exchange for things like tea, china, silk, and other unique Chinese products. Then, throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Europeans began getting more aggressive about trade. Britain, especially, sought huge profits wherever she could find them, even if it meant cheating the other side. In India, Britain squeezed every dime possible out of the colony, going so far as to rule it directly. Meanwhile, India suffered several famines made worse by England's goal of simply making money and turning a blind eye to anything hurting profits.