Historical Events tagged with "china"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

End of the Second Opium War at Peking

October 18th, 1860 164 years ago

The Second Opium War culminated with the Convention of Peking, resulting in the ratification of the Treaty of Tientsin. This unequal treaty, imposed on China by Britain and France, marked the conclusion of a conflict exacerbated by opium trade disputes. The treaty extended foreign privileges in China and allowed for additional ports to be opened for trade, along with increased diplomatic representation for foreign powers.

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Military & Warfare

Anglo-French Forces Triumph at Palikao

September 21st, 1860 164 years ago

The Battle of Palikao was a significant conflict during the Second Opium War, taking place near Beijing. An Anglo-French coalition, primarily comprising British and French troops, launched a well-coordinated assault against Qing Dynasty forces. This battle marked a crucial point in the war, demonstrating the superiority of Western military tactics and technology over traditional Chinese defenses. The outcome of the battle led to the eventual capture of Beijing, escalating the conflict and leading to significant concessions from the Qing government.

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Military & Warfare

Anglo-French Victory at Zhangjiawan

September 18th, 1860 164 years ago

Allied Anglo-French forces confronted a larger Qing army near Beijing. Despite being outnumbered, the allied force achieved a significant victory at Zhangjiawan, showcasing superior tactics and coordination. This battle marked a pivotal moment in the Second Opium War, as the allies advanced towards Beijing after previously capturing Tianjin, further pressuring the Qing Dynasty.

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Military & Warfare

Declaration of War Against China by Allies

March 3rd, 1857 168 years ago

France and the United Kingdom declared war on China, marking a significant escalation in tensions stemming from trade disputes and the opium trade. Following years of conflict and negotiation, the two European powers united to pursue military action against the Qing Dynasty, who were resisting Western demands. This declaration laid the foundation for further military engagements in China, including the capture of Beijing and the signing of subsequent treaties that further opened Chinese ports to foreign trade.

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Military & Warfare

British Assault on Barrier Forts at Canton

October 23rd, 1856 168 years ago

British Rear-Admiral Michael Seymour, prompted by Consul Harry Parkes, launched an assault on the Barrier Forts near Canton due to dissatisfaction with the reparations offered by imperial commissioner Ye Mingchen for an alleged insult to a British vessel. This marked the first military engagement of the Second Opium War, escalating tensions between Britain and China.

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Military & Warfare

The Arrow Incident Sparks Second Opium War

October 8th, 1856 168 years ago

Tensions escalated between China and several Western powers following the Arrow Incident, where a Chinese national was arrested aboard the ship Arrow, accused of piracy. The British, claiming the incident violated the Treaty of Nanking, used it as a pretext for military action against China. As a result, British forces initiated attacks on key coastal cities, igniting the Second Opium War, which involved additional Western nations seeking to exploit China’s economic vulnerabilities.

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Military & Warfare

Tianjing Incident Unfolds in Nanjing

September 2nd, 1856 168 years ago

The Tianjing incident was a significant confrontation between the Chinese government and foreign interests, primarily involving British nationals. Conflict arose from growing tensions over trade and sovereignty issues, leading to violent clashes in Nanjing. This incident marked a notable escalation in the deteriorating relations between China and Western powers amidst the backdrop of the Second Opium War, which fueled widespread discontent within China.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Hong Xiuquan Establishes Taiping Heavenly Kingdom

January 11th, 1851 174 years ago

Hong Xiuquan, a former civil servant, proclaimed the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom in Jintian, Guangxi, leading a significant uprising against the Qing Dynasty. Motivated by his visions and beliefs, he asserted divine mandate to establish a new Christian kingdom, fundamentally challenging the traditional Chinese social order and authority. The Jintian Uprising marked the beginning of one of the deadliest conflicts within China, as it mobilized thousands to support its cause against the Qing government, ultimately resulting in widespread rebellion and massive social upheaval.

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Military & Warfare

Assassination of João Maria Ferreira do Amaral

August 22nd, 1849 175 years ago

João Maria Ferreira do Amaral, the governor of Portuguese Macau, was assassinated by a group of Chinese locals, which escalated into a military conflict between China and Portugal known as the Battle of Passaleão, taking place shortly thereafter. The incident highlighted growing tensions in the region and was fueled by local frustrations over colonial governance and conflicts regarding trade and local autonomy.

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