1st China War (1st Opium War) 1839-42
This was essentially a trade war. The Chinese wanted to keep foreign influence to a minimum and restrict trading to the area around Canton. The Portuguese had trading facilities at Macau not far away. The Hon. East India Co. (HEIC) had become the most powerful trading company in the area buying silk, tea and porcelain and paying in gold. In 18th Century opium was on general sale for medicinal purposes, but the Chinese Emperor/Government became alarmed at the increasing misuse and spread of it. The Emperor decided to ban its import except under licence from the Government. At first the HEIC complied with this as they wished to protect their normal trade...
Click here for a guide to British Uniforms of the 1st China War by John French
Sculpted by Michael and Alan Perry.