What was a significant effect of the Treaty of Nanking?

The Treaty of Nanking, signed in 1842, marked the end of the First Opium War between Britain and China. One of its most significant outcomes was the cession of Hong Kong to Britain, which established a critical foothold for British trade in East Asia. This event not only altered the territorial landscape of China but also set a precedent for subsequent unequal treaties that favored Western powers at the expense of Chinese sovereignty. The acquisition of Hong Kong by Britain allowed for the expansion of commerce and played an essential role in the broader context of Western imperialism in Asia during the 19th century.

The other options do not align with the historical context of the Treaty of Nanking. For instance, the end of the American Revolution occurred in the late 18th century and is unrelated to the treaty. Similarly, the Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, was a separate economic transformation not directly linked to the treaty's terms. Lastly, the League of Nations was established much later, following World War I, and it had no connection to the Treaty of Nanking or the events surrounding the First Opium War.