Opium Trade

The opium trade made China become very reliant on Britain economically. Although it was illegal in China, there was always more and more demand for opium as it spread through the country. Prior to the opium trade, China was dominant (especially in their own views) and quite self-sufficient. However, since there was no opium in China, when it first hit China, the reliance on Britain became very high. This was the first time in which China actually relied on Britain more than Britain relying on China. As opium became an addiction that many Chinese people fell to, and Britain benefitted from giving away part of their surplus of opium, there was a role reversal between China and Britain. Britain suddenly used its trade successfully to assert its dominance over China. As Britain traded opium, in return they received new technology and ideas from China, as well as a stimulus in their economy. After Britain displayed its dominance over China, it seemed incredible that China had previously called Britain "barbaric" and thought so much more of themselves than any other country in the world.