Question: Why did China break its isolationist policy? (scroll down for answer)       Answer: China attempted to isolate itself from European control. They were self-sufficient, yet traded many goods with the west. However, things would change by 1830 because of an addiction to a narcotic called opium. Millions of Chinese became addicted to this drug that was supplied by the British. The drug trade eventually led to war.  Click here for next flash card.      Back to eFlashcard headquarters