In October 1856, tensions between Britain and China escalated dramatically following disputes over trade and diplomatic protocols associated with the Opium Wars. The immediate trigger for the military engagement was the alleged insult to a British-owned vessel, leading to dissatisfaction with the reparations proposed by imperial commissioner Ye Mingchen. British officials, particularly Consul Harry Parkes, were intent on asserting British interests and maintaining a favorable position in the lucrative opium trade that had previously defined British-Chinese relations. On this day, Rear-Admiral Michael Seymour, commanding British naval forces, decided to take decisive action by launching an assault on the Barrier Forts located outside Canton (now Guangzhou). These forts were strategically important, as they guarded the entrance to the Pearl River and were pivotal in controlling maritime access to the city.

The engagement began with a bombardment by British naval forces, with ships positioned to deliver firepower against the fortifications. The assault demonstrated the military superiority of British forces, who were equipped with advanced naval artillery compared to the local defenses. The attack on the forts was not just a tactical maneuver; it was indicative of the broader imperial strategies employed by Britain to exert influence over China. The swift capture of the forts sent a strong signal to both Chinese officials and other foreign powers about Britain's military capabilities and intentions. This engagement would further entrench hostilities that had already begun with the First Opium War, ultimately leading to a protracted conflict that would reshape Sino-British relations. As the British continued their military campaign, it became clear that the stakes of the Second Opium War would transcend mere economic interests, touching upon issues of national pride and sovereignty for both nations.