When the Chinese Emperor took steps to stop opium trade the British responded militarily resulting in numerous Chinese ports being opened to trade and settlement by foreigners.

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This is a simplified version of the historical events known as the First Opium War, which took place between China and Great Britain from 1839 to 1842. The Chinese authorities attempted to crack down on the illegal opium trade being conducted by British merchants, leading to a confrontation with the British Royal Navy. As a result of their superior military power, the British forced China to sign the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, which opened up several ports to foreign trade and extraterritoriality, giving rise to what became known as the "unequal treaties" era.

When the Chinese Emperor Took Steps to Stop Opium Trade