Who fought in the Second Opium war?

In the mid-1850s, while the Qing government was embroiled in trying to quell the Taiping Rebellion (1850–64), the British, seeking to extend their trading rights in China, found an excuse to renew hostilities. In early October 1856 some Chinese officials boarded the British-registered ship Arrow while it was docked in Canton, arrested several Chinese crew members (who were later released), and allegedly lowered the British flag. Later that month a British warship sailed up the Pearl River estuary and began bombarding Canton, and there were skirmishes between British and Chinese troops. Trading ceased as a stalemate ensued. In December Chinese in Canton burned foreign factories (trading warehouses) there, and tensions escalated.

The French decided to join the British military expedition, using as their excuse the murder of a French missionary in the interior of China in early 1856. After delays in assembling the forces in China (British troops that were en route were first diverted to India to help quell the Indian Mutiny), the allies began military operations in late 1857. They quickly captured Canton, deposed the city’s intransigent governor, and installed a more-compliant official.

The second Opium War (1856–60), also known as the Arrow War or the Anglo-French War in China, was fought by Britain and France against China.

More Info: www.britannica.com

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28 Comments

William Laughlin

A little history about the causes of the war. Bare in mind, at this time the sun never set on the British Empire. They were worldwide and their imperial aspirations were just about at their height. Throw in a sense of entitlement and arrogance as fuel and you have the makings of war. Originally, the Chinese had been very reluctant to go along with the demands of the treaties of 1842-1844. The end of the First Opium War resolved very little for the Chinese, if anything. Illegal opium trade only continued to grow, and with the Chinese proven inferior in warfare, there was little that the government could do about it. On top of that, many of the British colonies, such as Hong Kong, Penang, and Singapore, that now existed in China as a result of the First Opium War, allowed opium smugglers to gain British passports easily. These Anglo-Chinese people were able to reap the benefits of both Chinese and British life---blending in with the population and benefiting from extraterritoriality. Because of foreign connections, Chinese officials were not eager to arrest them or place consequences on them. On top of all this, the implementations of the Treaty of Nanking from the First Opium War had not gone smoothly with the Chinese, and the British were even more earnest in their endeavor to expand trade. Generally, the tension between the two countries had never really been resolved and was again continuing to build. Then, in October 1856, the Lorcha Arrow, a Chinese owned but British-registered ship, became a direct cause of the Second Opium War. When Canton authorities arrested members of its crew based on smuggling charges, taking down its British flag, the British reacted by demanding that the ship's crew were returned safely along with an apology for breaking the code of extraterritoriality in China. Refusing an apology, violence broke out, and the Second Opium War had begun.

Bill Coe

g sanborn, William Laughlin posts about 50,000 words a year and nobody comments. But get one word wrong and you jump all over him. lol

GreedyJoel

It is interesting how western powers helped narcotize a nation, and then fought them for resisting it. Franklin Roosevelt's mothers father became wealthy in the opium trade.

William Laughlin

The word "excuse" was used because that's just what it was. You are defending the right of colonial, imperial powers to disregard the sovereignty of other nations with impunity. Colonialism and imperialism exist in order to gain wealth and power, not because these countries have any rights in foreign lands.

Bob Miller

A filthy time in international politics. reminiscent of today and the invasion of the Ukraine.

Joyce Greenlees

William Laughlin, bear in mind , not bare in mind, which is empty headed

Joe Mangan

Peggy Tinsley, not just people lack self awareness. Some countries and their governments lack it too.

tbear

George Oliver Prince, 👍

tbear

Rob Farr, 👍

tbear

Todd Cates, 👍

Jacquie Smith

Whoa !!!! William

Richard G Schwartz

William thank you for the most interesting information.

John W Shreve

Bill Coe, I criticize him and applaud him, whichever I find appropriate. But he a pompous gasbag.

Jeff Carter

William Laughlin, Thank goodness we live in more enlightened times...

James Edwards

Thank you for the added comments, Mr. Laughlin. Quite informative.

Kathryn Cavanagh

William Laughlin, I do like, and agree with, your phrase "a sense of entitlement and arrogance " .! This fits with my views on all things, or most, done by the English and Europeans to other countries. I am Australian born, British father and 3rd generation British mother, so do, sort of, qualify as English, BUT hate their arrogance and their continuing spirit of "entitlement'. I know what has happened here in Australia, historically, and really it is all coming back to haunt the population now here. If the arrogance hadn't been with the poms they could have learnt much from the Aborigines, and the fires we have had recently may not have happened, or would have been a lot less devastating.