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8 October 1856
Arrow affair starts 2nd Chinese War
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Relations between China and
Britain are still bad following the 1839 Opium
War. In 1856, Chinese authorities seize the Arrow,
a British-registered ship owned by a local pirate that is being used
to raid Chinese ships. The British consul in China demands that the Chinese
release the Arrow, its commander and its crew, and apologise.
The Chinese refuse. Without consulting the British government, the consul
threatens military force. Eventually, the Chinese agree to all the consul's
terms except the apology.
When Palmerston learns of
the situation, he sees it as a chance to open up all of China to British
trade. He backs the consul and declares war. The conflict lasts until
October 1860, when troops under British command march to Peking and burn
the emperor's Summer Palace. Britain dictates terms for peace (Treaty
of Tien-tsin) – they include trade access to the vast Chinese interior
for a wide range of goods, including opium.
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