End of the Second Opium War: The Convention of Peking

Name: End of the Second Opium War: The Convention of Peking
Start: 1860-10-18
Location: Unspecified

Historic Conclusion of the Second Opium War

Second Opium War and Its Aftermath

The Second Opium War, also known as the Arrow War, spanned from 1856 to 1860 and saw conflict primarily between Britain and France against China. This war arose from unresolved tensions following the First Opium War and was driven by Western desires to expand trade, particularly of opium, and to impose their will on an unwilling China. The Convention of Peking, signed in October 1860, marked the end of hostilities and solidified the results of the conflict.

Treaty of Tientsin Ratified

As part of the agreement, the Treaty of Tientsin, which had been signed in 1856 after the initial battles of the war, was ratified. This treaty was deemed an unequal treaty as it forced China to accept terms that were highly favorable to the Western powers. It allowed foreign diplomats to reside in Beijing, opened several new ports to foreign trade, and legalized the opium trade.

Consequences of the Convention of Peking

Impact on China

The consequences of the Convention of Peking were profound. China experienced a significant loss of sovereignty as foreign powers expanded their influence within its borders. The agreement symbolized a period of humiliation for China, alongside economic and territorial concessions that would pave the way for increased foreign dominance in the decades that followed.

Broader Implications for Western Powers

For Western nations, the successful conclusion of the Second Opium War and the ratification of the Treaty of Tientsin represented a triumph of imperialistic ambitions. It allowed for greater exploitation of China's markets and set a precedent for future interventions, which would lead to further conflicts and treaties that favored Western interests.

Fun Fact

A Notable Outcome of the Opium Wars

One interesting fact about the Second Opium War is that it significantly influenced the cultural perceptions between East and West. The influx of Western goods and culture into China, spurred by these treaties, led to both admiration and resentment that continue to shape Sino-Western relations to this day.