The best example is probably the opium wars between China and Britain. Historically the superpower role has shifted hands thru wars. But not with the superpowe

The best example is probably the opium wars between China and Britain. Historically the superpower role has shifted hands thru wars. But not with the superpower in direct conflict with the ascending power. The British empire fell apart after 2nd world war in which Britain was a victor. However Britain was bankrupt and all capital that could move had fled to USA.