The Opium Wars

In the 19th century, Britain's trade of opium with China started a war known as the Opium War. China had traded many things with Britain including tea, which had now become very important in Europe. Britain wanted to trade something with China so it would not become a one sided trade that would hurt Britain. They began to trade opium to the Chinese. Opium is a highly addictive drug that is made from poppy plants, and is used to make many highly addictive drug. Many of Chinas population became addicted, and Chinas economy was damaged trying to pay for all the opium with gold, silver, and tea.
In 1838, the Chinese government started to restrict opium trade with Britain. Chinese government refused to let opium in the country, and would not back down from the British who pressured it onto them. This lead to the British attacking China to allow opium in the country. This was known as the Opium Wars. The British won these drug wars, and China faced defeat. Chinese government signed a treaty to allow opium to be traded in Chinese ports. They also allowed the sale of Opium legal. This caused Chinese government to become weaker and control was lost.

Mountains Of The Moon

Mountains of the Moon is a historical film about John Speke and Richard Burton. It tells of their journey threw Africa's uncharted land, as well as their search for the source of the Nile River. During this quest, they faced many hardships. One great trouble was that they did not know the area, and faced hot temperatures and needed water. Another great problem was the African tribes inhabiting the area, who where not always welcome to them. They had never seen white people before, and attacked them, causing them to retreat. The second time they where more prepared, but still faced difficulties with other tribes and also with animals such as lions and insects.

Even this being so, the European explorers had some advantages. This was a technological advantage. They had better weapons, such as guns which where more useful than spears. The Africans where amazed with their technology. Their superior technology helped the Europeans conquer Africa. This also helped lead to the discovery of the source of the Nile river. This was the worlds third largest lake. It was called lake Victoria, which was named after the European queen. It is strange that they named an African lake after a European queen because the Europeans had not discovered it, the Africans knew it was there before the Europeans.