2.3 The Second Opium War and the Treaty of Tianjin

The Second Opium War escalated tensions between China and Western powers. Britain and France used military force to expand their influence, leading to key battles and the destruction of the Old Summer Palace.

The Treaty of Tianjin, signed in 1858, had far-reaching consequences. It opened more ports, legalized opium trade, and granted foreigners greater access to China, further eroding Chinese sovereignty and setting the stage for future unequal treaties.

The Second Opium War

Causes of Second Opium War

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• Growing tensions between China and Western powers after First Opium War due to China's dissatisfaction with terms of Treaty of Nanjing and Western powers' desire for greater access to Chinese markets and influence
• Arrow Incident (1856) where Chinese officials boarded Chinese-owned ship registered in Hong Kong, arrested crew, and British claimed violation of Treaty of Nanjing, demanding apology which China refused, leading to outbreak of war
• France joined Britain in war against China seeking to protect religious and commercial interests and using execution of French missionary as pretext for intervention

Military campaigns and battles

• British and French forces attacked and captured Canton (Guangzhou) in 1857, establishing joint administration
• Battle of Taku Forts (1858) where British and French attacked forts guarding Hai River approach to Beijing, initially repelled but fell to second assault
• Battle of Baliqiao (1860) with British and French advancing towards Beijing and defeating Chinese forces
• Destruction of Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) in 1860 by British and French troops looting and burning imperial palace in retaliation for torture and execution of Allied prisoners

The Treaty of Tianjin

Treaty of Tianjin's impact

• Signed in 1858 between China, Britain, France, Russia, and United States
• Opened additional treaty ports to foreign trade and residence
• Legalized opium trade
• Granted freedom of movement for foreign missionaries in China's interior
• Established fixed tariff on imports and exports
• Required payment of war indemnities to Britain and France
• Further eroded China's sovereignty and control over own affairs
• Increased foreign presence and influence in China
• Set stage for future unequal treaties and territorial concessions

Western powers' role

• Britain and France played dominant role in Second Opium War, seeking to expand commercial and political interests in China and using military force to coerce China into accepting demands
• Russia and United States participated in treaty negotiations to secure own economic and diplomatic interests in China, benefiting from concessions obtained by Britain and France without directly engaging in military action
• Treaty of Tianjin imposed on China under duress with little room for negotiation, reflecting power imbalance between China and Western powers in mid-19th century