The First Opium War

Background

Lin Zexu: Chinese official who confiscated opium from Charles Elliot, a British trader.
- Opium was highly addictive and profitable for the British.
- The Chinese government banned opium due to its detrimental effects on the country.
British Reaction: Despite the ban, Britain continued the opium trade for profit.
- Lin Zexu's actions aimed to deter British trade were unsuccessful.
- Elliot ordered British withdrawal from Canton; Royal Navy was mobilized for war.

Strategic Miscalculations:
- Lin Zexu underestimated British naval power, believing China was safe on land.
Initial Engagement:
- July 5, 1839: Royal Navy bombarded and captured the island of Zhoushan.
- Marked the official beginning of the First Opium War.

Daoguang Emperor:
- Underestimated Britain and referred to them as rebels instead of foreigners.
Diplomatic Efforts:
- Failed negotiations as the Emperor ignored peace terms.
- Lin Zexu replaced by Qishan, who was unable to find a peaceful resolution.

Battle of Chuenpi (1841):
- British victory; demanded Hong Kong, cash, and trading rights.
- Emperor refused demands and replaced officials.
Siege of Canton:
- British forces captured and looted Canton despite being outnumbered.
- Key advantages: Superior technology and trained soldiers.

British Advancements:
- Better weaponry and trained troops.
- Introduction of HMS Nemesis, an iron-hulled steam-powered warship.
Chinese Forces:
- Mostly peasant conscripts with outdated weaponry.
- Lacked naval technology.

British Strategy:
- Continued capturing coastal cities and strategic positions.
- Blockaded Yangtze River, disrupting Chinese supply lines.
Treaty of Nanking:
- Trade through specified cities, including Canton, to include opium.
- China required to pay reparations, cede Hong Kong.
- Beginning of China's "Century of Humiliation."

Unequal Treaties: Treaty of Nanking seen as the first among many unfavorable to China.
Future Conflicts: Set the stage for the Second Opium War and further foreign interventions.