The Second Opium War, also known as the Arrow War or the Second Anglo-Chinese War, was fought from 1856 to 1860. It was a conflict involving the British Empire, France, and to a lesser extent, United States, Russia, against the Qing Dynasty of China. Here is a detailed look at the war:
Origins
- The war was an extension of the issues left unresolved by the First Opium War, particularly regarding the legalization of the opium trade, trade rights, and diplomatic representation in China.
- The immediate trigger was the Arrow Incident in 1856, where Chinese officials boarded the British-registered ship Arrow, arresting its Chinese crew under suspicion of piracy. The British, however, claimed the ship was under British protection, leading to diplomatic tensions.
Participants
- British Empire - Initially seeking to enforce the Treaty of Nanjing and gain further trade privileges.
- France - Joined the conflict following the execution of French missionary Auguste Chappdelaine by Chinese authorities in 1856, using this as a pretext for military intervention.
- Other Western powers like United States and Russia also had interests in the conflict, though their involvement was less significant.
Events
- The war included several key engagements:
- The conflict ended with the signing of the Treaty of Tianjin in 1858, followed by the Convention of Peking in 1860, which forced China to open additional ports to foreign trade, legalize the opium trade, and cede Kowloon Peninsula to Britain.
Impact
- The war further weakened the Qing Dynasty, leading to the Taiping Rebellion and other internal conflicts.
- It solidified Western dominance in China, leading to the establishment of foreign concessions and the so-called "unequal treaties."
- The conflict had lasting effects on China's sovereignty and contributed to the century of humiliation narrative.
Sources
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