Opium War
1840 · Guangzhou · Humen · Zhenjiang line · China · Early modern
Relying on sturdy ships and powerful guns, British warships pushed north along the coast; Humen, Dinghai and Zhenjiang fell one after another.
Belligerents
Qing
- Commanders
- Lin Zexu, Guan Tianpei, Yishan
- Strength
- Qing coastal troops and navy
United Kingdom
- Commanders
- George Elliot, Henry Pottinger
- Strength
- British expeditionary fleet and marines
Background
After Lin Zexu's destruction of opium at Humen, Britain used it as a pretext to launch a war of aggression against China.
Course of the battle
- Naval blockadeThe British army attacked Guangzhou, then turned to attack Dinghai.
- Push northThe fleet advanced north along the coast to threaten Tianjin.
- Force a peaceAttacking Zhenjiang to block the Yangtze, the British forced the Qing to sue for peace.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1840 |
|---|---|
| Place | Guangzhou · Humen · Zhenjiang line |
| Result | Relying on sturdy ships and powerful guns, British warships pushed north along the coast; Humen, Dinghai and Zhenjiang fell one after another. |
| Winner | United Kingdom |
| Casualties | Qing commanders such as Guan Tianpei died for their country, and soldiers and civilians suffered heavy casualties. |
| Territorial change | The Treaty of Nanking was signed: Hong Kong Island was ceded, five ports were opened, and an indemnity was paid. |
Impact
The beginning of China's modern history; from then on China became a semi-colonial, semi-feudal society.
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