...Lin Zexu proceeds to Canton, the hub…

...Lin Zexu proceeds to Canton, the hub of the opium trade.

The balance of payments for the first time begins to run against China and in favor of Britain.

Meanwhile, a network of opium distribution has formed throughout China, often with the connivance of corrupt officials.

Foreign merchants, including those from France and the United States, are bringing in ever-increasing quantities of opium.

The high level of opium addiction begins to affect the imperial troops and the official classes, causing serious social and economic disruption in the country.

The Chinese government's attempts to prohibit the import of opium from British-ruled India bring it into direct conflict with the British government.

On March 18, 1839, Lin Zexu, as the imperial Chinese commissioner in charge of suppressing the opium traffic, orders all foreign traders to surrender their opium, which the Chinese then destroy at Canton (Guangzhou), where British merchants warehouse their opium.

This action, besides reducing the current oversupply (and thus, profits for the traders) and raising prices, infuriates the British government.