16 mars 1839 - Role of Bannermen

Description:

The Bannermen were the soldiers of the Qing dynasty. During the early peace of the dynasty, their training decreased as they enjoyed the privileges of the Chinese upper class; during the Opium Wars, though, they were no match for the superior British forces. The strength of the British navy gave them the ability to travel quickly by sea, while the Bannermen were forced to travel on foot. Additionally, their guns were much more ineffective than British artillery and rifles.