Question

what was the cause of the armed conflict between great britain and china in 1840 that was focused around the port of canton?

chinese peasants massacred western missionaries, journalists, and diplomats.

great britain attempted to make all of china a british colony.

great britain refused to stop selling opium in china.

chinese invasion of ireland

Explanation:

The First Opium War in 1840 centered around Canton was due to Britain's refusal to halt opium - selling in China. Opium trade was causing severe social and economic problems in China. The other options are not related to the cause of this conflict. Chinese peasants massacring Westerners happened later in events like the Boxer Rebellion. Britain's long - term goal was not to immediately make all of China a colony in 1840, and there was no Chinese invasion of Ireland.

Answer:

Great Britain refused to stop selling opium in China.