The Opium Wars between Great Britain and China from 1839 to 1842 and from 1856 to 1860, with the union of French forces with Great Britain, led to social, economic and politicians in China, particularly during the Qing dynasty. The Opium Wars documented by Lieutenant John Ouchterlony, an Indian Army officer of the Madras Engineers, in "The Chinese Wars: an account of all the Operations of the British Forces" provides a first-hand look at many of the events at which he witnessed before, during and after the wars. The action in the book ranges from Hong Kong, Canton, Shanghai and later to Nanjing, where the Chinese are forced to sign a treaty to end the First Opium War. From an unbiased perspective, criticizing yet praising both sides, Ouchterlony is able to portray the events that occurred in vivid detail through his words along with illustrations throughout the book. The details described by Ouchterlony before the first war explain how China could have easily prevented such a disaster and embarrassment from occurring and tarnishing their image. The Chinese were the main cause of education and their defeat in the Opium Wars. There were many conflicting views between the West and the East, from diplomatic relations, to trade, and the administration of justice for foreign citizens, which ultimately led to the First Opium War. Before the war, China believed itself to be far superior to any other civilization in the world. The emperor of China was thought to be the elder brother of all other surrounding kings and emperors. China rarely had contact with the West until the West turned to China for spices. This type of arrogance embodied by the Chinese ultimately proved harmful to their society, both internally and externally. China. The Opium War not only embarrassed China, but also had dramatic social and economic effects as a result. China's view of the Western world and related relations have changed dramatically. Due to the war there were many battles and internal struggles, as well as economic decline, especially in Canton, where many trades were concentrated before the war. This left many people in China without jobs, which led to China completely losing all the power and control it had to Western nations. This allowed these nations to gain power over them, which was not foreseen before the war. As a result, China's goal of abolishing the opium trade throughout the country has led to the signing of many "unjust treaties" and a drastic change in their economic and social development..