The First Opium War was a series of battles between Britain and the Qing dynasty of China. The war began between the two countries because of China's goal to obtain opium stocks in hopes to permitt the banned opium trades with Britain at Canton. In addition, The Chinese government were also threatening the death penalty to offenders. The British government did not agree with China's plans. The British government believed in the system of free trade and supported the opium trades in Canton. Britain's Royal Navy defeated the Chinese and the Qing dynasty signed the Treaty of Nanking. This treaty granted Britain indemnity and extraterritoriality to British in China, opened five ports to British merchants, and gave Hong Kong Island to the British Empire.
This event is signicant to the text (Goblin Market) because it shows Britains support for Opium during the Victorian Era. This contradicts Rossetti's view that Opium addiction is a problem during this era.