Describe how the Chinese became addicted to opium in the 19th century.

Opium was introduced into China by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. It was known for its medical properties and therefore small quantities were used for certain type of medicines. The Chinese were aware of the dangers of opium addiction and thus the emperor had forbidden its production and sale. But the British began an illegal trade in opium in the mid-l8th century. With the help of the local agents they were able to unload it in a number of seaports of southeastern China. From then, opium found an easy way into China, making the people addicted to it.