The First Opium War is an example of capitalism’s bad influence on empires.

This war was not just a fight between Britain and China. It was a war for money.

In the early 1800s, British traders sold a lot of opium in China. Many Chinese people became addicted, which hurt the country. The Chinese government tried to stop the drug trade, but British traders ignored the law.

When Chinese officials took and destroyed opium, British political leaders got angry. In fact, many of them held stock in the drug companies, so they told their government to fight. In 1839, Britain started a war against China in the name of “free trade”, using new wonder weapons – steamboats, heavy artillery, and rockets.

The war was a disaster for China.

After losing, China had to let British traders keep selling opium. They also had to pay Britain for the destroyed drugs. Britain took control of Hong Kong and used it as a base for selling more opium.

By the late 1800s, tens of millions of Chinese people were opium addicted.

It’s hard to believe that money still shapes politics so easily. Sometimes, it’s through illegal bribes and corruption. Sometimes it’s legalized and called lobbying or for example PAC in US (political action committee).

In 2024, Elon Musk backed Donald Trump with $277 million through his super PAC – a perfectly legal way to fund political power in the U.S.

Opinions on Musk may vary, but one thing is certain: he’s a sharp businessman and investor. And he wouldn’t make this move without expecting a solid return.

Money and politics have always been connected, but not always in a good way.