The Second Opium War Countries Involved: China, Britain, France, Russia, U.S. (oct 1, 1856 – oct 1, 1860)

Description:

Due to the settlement of the Crimean war and Britain's success in India, countries such as Britain, France, and Russia gained the energy to turn around on China. Britain has been seeking more expansion in China ever since the First Opium War, and started conflict with the Arrow (a ship) incident as excuse, later to expand the invasion, gained France to join with the excuse of the missionary Auguste Chapdelaine incident. The Britain-France army first fought its way to Tianjin and forced the signing of the Treaty of Tianjin with Britain, France, Russia, and the U.S. by threatening to invade Beijing, later seeking more interest attempted to provoke war again but lost the initial battle, they expanded the invasion upon the loss and finally broke into Beijing; there they burnt and destroyed multiple palaces and royal gardens, the most well known being the Yuanming Garden, or Old Summer Palace. Then forced the signing of the Treaty of Beijing with Britain and France by threatening to destroy the forbidden city. Russia on the other end, took advantage of the busy situation and forced the signing of the Treaty of Aigun, later acting as the peacemaker, also signed the Treaty of Beijing. The series of unequal treaties gave Russia large areas of land and various privileges for the rest. The war is an extension of the First Opium War carrying the same intentions.

Added to timeline:

Date: