Which treaty concluded the First Opium War between Britain and China?

• A. The Treaty of Versailles
• B. The Treaty of Tientsin
• C. The Treaty of Nanking
• D. The Treaty of Shimonoseki

Answer: (C)

The treaty that concluded the First Opium War between Britain and China is the Treaty of Nanking. This treaty, signed in 1842, marked a significant turning point in Sino-British relations and was one of the first unequal treaties imposed on China. It not only ended the hostilities of the First Opium War but also resulted in substantial concessions from China.

Under the terms of the Treaty of Nanking, China ceded Hong Kong to Britain, opened several port cities to British trade, and granted extraterritorial rights to British citizens in China. These provisions laid the groundwork for further foreign intervention and influence in China, reshaping the dynamics of trade and diplomacy in the region.

In contrast, the other treaties listed were signed in different contexts. The Treaty of Versailles ended World War I, the Treaty of Tientsin was part of the Second Opium War, and the Treaty of Shimonoseki concluded the First Sino-Japanese War. Each of these treaties addressed different conflicts and had their own specific set of terms and implications for the nations involved. Thus, the Treaty of Nanking is specifically tied to the First Opium War and is therefore the correct choice.