The First Opium War was fought between Great Britain and China. It took place from 1839 to 1842. The conflict arose primarily due to disputes over trade, specifically the British desire to sell opium in China. The British East India Company was heavily involved in the opium trade and wanted to expand its market in China. However, the Chinese government, led by the Qing Dynasty, sought to crack down on the opium trade due to its harmful effects on Chinese society.