14. When China Seized and Destroyed Stocks of Illegal Opium in its Territory, Britain Demanded Compensation
Chinese opium consumption skyrocketed and British profits from the opium trade went through the roof. In the meantime, China faced an addiction epidemic that caused widespread social and economic disruptions. The Chinese authorities finally began to take serious measures to stop the British from flooding their country with opium. In 1839, a drug czar was appointed, and he initiated a crackdown. 1700 drug dealers were arrested, and over 1400 tons of opium that sat in warehouses were seized and destroyed. Most of that opium belonged to British merchants, and they appealed to their government.
Pressured by its business lobby, Britain demanded compensation from the Chinese government. To back those demands, it sent a military expedition to China. It arrived in June of 1840 and sailed up the Pearl River estuary to Canton. After months of negotiations that went nowhere, the British attacked and seized Canton in May of 1841. The Chinese armies still used medieval weapons and tactics. They were thoroughly outmatched by the British forces, armed with the latest firearms and artillery, and drilled in the most advanced tactics.
