The Treaty of Nanking, signed in 1842, marked the end of the First Opium War between China and Britain. This treaty was significant for China as it forced the country to make substantial concessions, including the cession of Hong Kong to Britain and the opening of several ports to British trade. The treaty also included financial reparations to Britain, significantly weakening China's sovereignty. The Treaty of Nanking symbolized the beginning of what is often referred to as the "Century of Humiliation" for China, as it marked the start of a series of unequal treaties with foreign powers.