Hong Kong, 1842-2019
The British Empire controlled China by means of the opium trade, eventually generating 13 million addicts which led to 2 Opium Wars. In 1839, on Lin Zexu, imperial commissioner's, orders, pits were dug and seized opium was poured into them along with lime and salt to render it unusable. Hong Kong was ceded to the British in 1842 and was always a port of refuge, a paradise within reach, due to continuing turmoil in mainland China. This former refuge is today a city of protest.