The Second Opium War
The Second Opium War, also known as the Arrow War, was fought between the United Kingdom, France, and the Qing Dynasty of China from 1856 to 1860. Here are detailed insights into the conflict:
Background
- The roots of the war lay in the dissatisfaction of European powers with the terms of the Treaty of Nanjing, which ended the First Opium War in 1842. The treaty had opened limited ports to foreign trade and ceded Hong Kong to Britain, but European powers sought further concessions.
- The immediate trigger was the Arrow Incident on October 8, 1856, when Chinese officials boarded the British-registered ship Arrow under the suspicion of piracy. This act was seen by the British as a violation of their rights under the treaty.
Participants
- British Forces: Led by James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, Britain aimed to expand its trading rights and secure more favorable conditions.
- French Forces: Joined the conflict due to the execution of a French missionary, Auguste Chapdelaine, by Chinese authorities, seeking to protect their religious interests in China.
- China: Under the reign of Emperor Xianfeng Emperor, the Qing Dynasty was already weakened by internal rebellions, including the Taiping Rebellion, and corruption within the government.
Key Events
- Arrow Incident (1856): This incident led to the British declaration of war against China.
- Capture of Canton (1857): The British and French forces captured Canton, leading to the first round of negotiations with China.
- Expedition to Peking (1858): After negotiations failed, an allied expedition marched on Peking, leading to the Treaty of Tientsin, which was signed but not ratified by China.
- Burning of the Old Summer Palace (1860): In retaliation for the torture and execution of British and French diplomatic prisoners, the allies burned down the Old Summer Palace, an event that still resonates in Chinese historical memory.
- Treaty of Peking (1860): This treaty ended the war, ceding Kowloon to Britain, legalizing the import of opium, opening more ports for trade, and granting religious freedom for Christians in China.
Consequences
- The war further weakened the Qing Dynasty, exacerbating its internal issues and contributing to the Self-Strengthening Movement.
- The treaties signed opened China further to foreign influence, leading to the Century of Humiliation in Chinese history.
- The conflict highlighted the disparity in military technology and strategy between Western powers and China, leading to significant changes in Chinese military and diplomatic approaches.
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