The First Opium War (1839-1842) arose from British smuggling of opium into China to balance trade deficits. Qing destruction of opium stocks led to conflict, resulting in unequal treaties ceding Hong Kong and opening ports. It marked the start of China's 'Century of Humiliation.'

The Opium Wars beginning in 1839 ignited a surge of resistance poetry in China, with poets like Xu Zhimo articulating national identity and lamenting imperialism. This literary response laid the groundwork for modern nationalist movements and continues to resonate in contemporary Chinese literature.