The British wanted to sell opium to China because it was a very profitable trade. Opium was a drug that was highly addictive, and the Chinese people quickly became addicted to it. This led to a huge demand for opium in China, and the British were more than happy to supply it.

The First Opium War took place from 1839 to 1842.

The British won the First Opium War and gained control of Hong Kong. Hong Kong became a British colony and remained so until 1997, when it was returned to China.

The Second Opium War took place from 1856 to 1858.

The British won the Second Opium War and gained control of more Chinese territory. This included the Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island.

The Opium Wars had a number of long-term effects, including the decline of the Qing dynasty, the rise of the British Empire, and the spread of opium addiction in China.

Britain was the main supplier of opium to China during the Opium Wars.

Lin Zexu was the Chinese official who led the resistance against the British during the First Opium War.

Lord Elgin was the British general who led the British forces during the Second Opium War.

The Treaty of Nanking was the treaty that ended the First Opium War.

The Treaty of Tientsin was the treaty that ended the Second Opium War.

Daoguang was the Chinese emperor who reigned during the First Opium War.

Xianfeng was the Chinese emperor who reigned during the Second Opium War.

Lord Palmerston was the British prime minister who ordered the British forces to attack China during the First Opium War.

Lord Palmerston was the British prime minister who ordered the British forces to attack China during the Second Opium War.