What historical conflicts were driven by greed over resources?

Conflicts such as the Opium Wars, the Scramble for Africa, and the Iraq War were largely driven by greed over resources.

The Opium Wars, fought between Britain and China in the mid-19th century, were primarily about trade and economic control. Britain wanted to continue its lucrative opium trade with China, which the Chinese government had banned due to the devastating social and economic effects of widespread addiction. When China attempted to enforce the ban, Britain declared war, resulting in two conflicts known as the First and Second Opium Wars. The wars ended with treaties that greatly favoured Britain, including the opening of several Chinese ports to foreign trade and the cession of Hong Kong.

The Scramble for Africa, a period of rapid colonisation of African territories by European powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was driven by a desire for resources and economic dominance. European powers, including Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium, sought to exploit Africa's vast natural resources, such as diamonds, gold, and rubber. This led to widespread conflict and exploitation, as indigenous populations were often forcibly removed from their lands and subjected to harsh labour conditions.

The Iraq War, initiated by the United States and its allies in 2003, has been widely criticised as a war for oil. Iraq has the second largest proven oil reserves in the world, and many have argued that the US-led invasion was motivated by a desire to control these resources. While the official justification for the war was the alleged presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, these claims were later proven to be false. The war resulted in significant loss of life and widespread instability in the region, and its long-term effects are still being felt today.

In each of these conflicts, the desire for resources - whether it be opium, precious metals, or oil - played a significant role in driving the conflict. These examples highlight the often devastating consequences of resource-driven conflicts, and the ways in which greed and economic interests can lead to violence and exploitation.