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How Did The Opium Wars Contribute To The Decline Of The Qing Dynasty

298 Words2 Pages
The Qing dynasty's quick decline was propelled by constant external pressures as Western influences flooded in, upending age-old Chinese conventions and norms, weakening the dynasty's hold on power, and introducing aspects of internal instability that hastened its demise. The Opium Wars, which started because Western countries demanded to expand trade, land, and influence in China, compelled the Qing dynasty to surrender territory in addition to opening trading ports as a consequence of the unequal treaties. Opium also led to widespread addiction and societal corruption, which further destabilised Chinese society. These wars indicated the continual pressure endured by external influence, which contributed to the rapid decline of the Qing dynasty.
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