The Second Opium War, which lasted from 1856 to 1860, was fought primarily between the Qing dynasty of China and the British Empire, later joined by France. The roots of this conflict lay in the ongoing disputes over the opium trade, trade imbalances, and the desire of foreign powers to expand their commercial interests within China. Following a series of military confrontations, including the capture of Beijing by British and French troops, peace negotiations commenced. The Convention of Peking was reached after these forces gained significant ground, with the Qing government compelled to agree to terms that favored the foreign powers. The convention led to the ratification of the Treaty of Tientsin, which established unequal treaties that eroded Chinese sovereignty and expanded Western influence in the region. The treaty mandated open ports, legalization of opium trade, and the establishment of foreign legations in the capital city.The negotiations reflected broader imperialist ambitions and the fragility of the Qing dynasty, showcasing its struggles to maintain control over its territory in the face of Western military might. The treaty not only shaped trade relations but also set the stage for further encroachments on Chinese sovereignty, eventually leading to significant political and social upheaval in China. Notably, the reopening of the Yangtze River to foreign trade marked a pivotal shift in Chinese engagement with the West, dramatically altering its economic landscape.