The historical impact of the Treaty of Nanking in 1842 was profound, as it marked the end of the First Opium War between Britain and China. The treaty forced China to cede Hong Kong to Britain and open five major ports to British trade, significantly altering Chinese trade practices and economy. It also established extraterritorial rights for British citizens in China, undermining Chinese sovereignty. The unequal treaty exemplified the imperialist pressures faced by China, leading to significant internal strife, including the Taiping Rebellion. The Treaty of Nanking was a crucial step in the "Century of Humiliation," influencing China's modern history and its relations with Western powers.