Second Opium War (oct 23, 1856 – oct 18, 1860)

Description:

After the first Opium war, both Britain and China were both still dissatisfied with the results of their treaty and the uneasy peace after the first opium war. Britain still wished for opium to be legalized and China became resentful of the concessions they made to Britain and the fact they were continuing to sell opium illegally to china.

Britain gives additional demands to China, Including legalizing opium trade and opening all of China for trade with Britain and British companies. After China refuse tensions rise and it quickly escalates.

China seizes a British ship called the Arrow. The British challenge China and say they have no reason to seize the ship and used it for an excuse to attack Canton. Soon France joins the battle after a French missionary is executed by Chinese authorities. Britain takes control of Canton and fighting continues off and on for 4 years, in 1860 British and French military forces fight in Beijing and defeat the Qing army.

China agrees to sign a treaty with Britain and France that legalized opium trade, forced China to pay reparation to Britain and France, opened a new trade port and established freedom of religion in China.