First Opium War - Gunboat Diplomacy - Extra History - Part 3

Extra History

2 Jul 201608:09

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe Opium Wars marked a pivotal conflict between Britain and China, initiated by British insistence on opium trade despite Chinese opposition. In 1839, tensions escalated with the blockade and the Royal Saxon incident, leading to naval engagements and the British bombardment of Chinese forces. Despite initial victories, both sides faced internal dissatisfaction with the outcomes. The British sought greater reparations and trade concessions, while the Chinese Emperor rejected the terms, viewing them as a betrayal. The conflict foreshadowed further hostilities and the eventual signing of the Treaty of Nanking, which opened China to foreign trade and ceded Hong Kong to Britain.

Takeaways

🚢 The Opium Wars began with tensions over British ships trading opium in China and the subsequent blockade by the British.
🏴‍☠️ The Chinese offered to let British captains dock if they agreed not to sell opium and be subject to Chinese law, but the British declined.
🔫 The first battle occurred on November 3, 1839, when the British ship Royal Saxon was fired upon by the Chinese after attempting to evade a blockade.
🔥 The British retaliated with a broadside that resulted in a cataclysmic explosion and the retreat of the Chinese junks.
🏝️ The British then captured the island of Chusan with minimal resistance, using it as a base for further operations.
💼 Negotiations between the Chinese official Qishan and British superintendent Elliot resulted in a proposed settlement over opium reparations and territorial concessions.
🔍 Elliot sought territory for the British Empire but faced resistance from Qishan, who refused to cede Chinese land.
🗣️ Misinformation and rumors influenced military decisions, such as Elliot's preemptive strike on Chinese fortifications based on unverified reports.
🏰 The British quickly overtook Chinese fortifications at Chuenpee, resulting in heavy Chinese casualties and minimal British injuries.
🚤 The British iron steam and sail ship Nemesis showcased its firepower, contributing to British naval dominance.
📜 A proposed treaty was discussed, which included reparations, territorial exchanges, and the opening of trade, but it was never officially signed by either side.
🤔 Both British and Chinese officials were dissatisfied with the outcomes, leading to dismissals and executions, highlighting the complexity and dissatisfaction of the conflict's resolution.

Q & A

What was the initial conflict that led to the Opium Wars between Britain and China?
-The initial conflict was Britain's insistence on selling opium in China, despite Chinese laws against it. The Chinese offered to let British captains dock if they signed a bond not to sell opium and agreed to be subject to Chinese law, but the British had already ordered no trade with China.
What event marked the first real battle of the Opium Wars?
-The first real battle of the Opium Wars was marked by the British ship Royal Saxon's refusal to stop or turn back when signaled to do so by the Chinese, leading to a warning shot from a British blockade ship and subsequent engagement between British and Chinese forces.
Why did the British decide to cease fire when the Chinese admiral's flagship was left standing?
-The British, under Captain Elliot, decided to cease fire as they felt the point had been made and there was no need for further meaningless slaughter, especially since the flagship was already outclassed and damaged.
What was the British strategy after capturing the island of Chusan?
-The British strategy after capturing Chusan was to use it as a base for further operations, potentially threatening Shanghai, and to demand surrender from the Chinese without causing harm.
What were the terms of the settlement discussed between Qishan and Elliot?
-The terms discussed included a reparation payment of six million pounds for the destroyed opium, and the British acquiring territory for a port, which eventually led to the purchase of Hong Kong.
Why did the talks between Qishan and Elliot break down?
-The talks broke down because Qishan was unwilling to give away Chinese territory in exchange for Chusan, which the British had offered to return.
What was the outcome of the battle at Chuenpee near Canton on January 7th, 1841?
-The battle at Chuenpee resulted in a swift British victory, with the British capturing the Chinese fortifications and flying their flag over them by 11:00 in the morning. The Chinese suffered heavy losses with 600 dead and only 100 captured, while the British had minimal casualties.
How did the Nemesis, an iron steam and sail ship, contribute to the British naval power during the Opium Wars?
-The Nemesis demonstrated its power by dispatching Chinese junks and chasing away the Chinese fleet with its guns and rockets, showcasing the technological advantage of the British.
What were the final terms agreed upon in the treaty between the British and the Chinese?
-The final terms included a payment of 6,000,000 in reparations by the Chinese, the British purchasing the island of Hong Kong for the same amount, exchange of ambassadors, cessation of derogatory terms by the Chinese towards the British, return of captured forts and territories, and a resumption of trade in a more open manner.
Why were both Elliot and Qishan not satisfied with the treaty's outcome?
-Elliot was dismissed by Lord Palmerston for not achieving the desired reparations, territory, and legalization of opium in China. Qishan was recalled and nearly executed by the Emperor, who believed a better deal could have been reached, despite the Chinese being outmatched.

Outlines

00:00

🏴‍☠️ Outbreak of the Opium Wars

The script begins with a tense situation in 1839, where the British have imposed a blockade on China due to the opium trade conflict. The Chinese offer to let British ships dock if they agree not to sell opium and abide by Chinese law, but the British have already banned trade with China. On November 3, 1839, the Royal Saxon, a British ship, attempts to bypass the blockade, leading to a warning shot from a British blockade ship. The Chinese admiral at Canton decides to send a fleet to protect the Royal Saxon, which results in a confused situation and an eventual engagement. The British, led by Captain Elliott, defeat the Chinese fleet, with the Chinese admiral's flagship being the last to retreat. This marks the first battle of the Opium Wars. Following the battle, there is a temporary lull as the British regroup and prepare for further conflict, deploying forces from India and sending new ships to China.

05:01

🔫 Escalation and Aftermath of the Opium Wars

The script continues with the escalation of the Opium Wars, focusing on the British attack on Chinese fortifications at Chuenpee near Canton on January 7th, 1841. The British quickly overpower the Chinese forces, leading to a significant number of Chinese casualties and few British injuries. The Nemesis, an iron steam and sail ship, showcases its firepower, contributing to the British victory. The Chinese, under Qishan, seek a truce, and terms are negotiated. The Chinese agree to pay reparations, and the British agree to purchase Hong Kong and resume trade. However, both sides are dissatisfied with the outcome. Lord Palmerston in England is unhappy with the terms, feeling that the British did not gain enough, and the Chinese Emperor recalls Qishan, accusing him of treason for conceding too much. The treaty is never officially signed, leaving the conflict unresolved and setting the stage for further conflict.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Opium Wars

The Opium Wars refer to two conflicts in the mid-19th century between the British Empire and the Qing dynasty of China, primarily over trade issues and opium smuggling. The term encapsulates the theme of the video, which is the first of these wars, focusing on the tensions and military engagements that led to the eventual opening of China to foreign trade. The script describes the events leading up to the war, the blockade, and the battles that ensued, illustrating the conflict's impact on both British and Chinese interests.

💡Blockade

A blockade is a military action that restricts the movement of vessels in and out of a particular area, often to exert pressure on an enemy. In the context of the video, the British set up a blockade to prevent trade with China, which was a significant escalation in the tension between the two nations. The blockade is a key element in the narrative, as it led to direct confrontations at sea and was a precursor to the broader conflict.

💡Opium

Opium is a narcotic drug derived from the opium poppy. In the video, opium is central to the conflict as it was being smuggled into China by British traders, leading to significant social and economic issues within China. The Chinese government's attempts to stop the opium trade and the British insistence on continuing it were major catalysts for the war. The script mentions the opium as the underlying cause for the conflict and the subsequent military actions.

💡Royal Saxon

The Royal Saxon is the name of a British ship mentioned in the script that approached Canton and was involved in an incident that escalated tensions. The ship's refusal to stop and the subsequent firing of a warning shot by the British blockade are pivotal moments in the script, illustrating the heightened state of alert and the potential for conflict on the seas.

💡Captain Elliott

Captain Charles Elliot is a key historical figure in the video, serving as the Superintendent of British trade and a central character in the unfolding events. Elliot is depicted as wavering in his decisions but ultimately ordering the engagement of Chinese ships. His actions and the decisions he made, such as the handling of the opium trade and the negotiations for reparations, are central to the narrative of the conflict.

💡Chusan

Chusan is an island that was captured by the British during the Opium War. The video describes how the British forces descended on the island, leading to negotiations and eventual demands for its surrender. Chusan serves as a strategic location in the war, and its capture and subsequent discussions around its fate highlight the territorial ambitions and military capabilities of the British.

💡Reparations

Reparations refer to compensation made by a defeated party to an adversary after a war or conflict. In the script, reparations are discussed as part of the negotiations between Captain Elliot and the Chinese official Qishan. The reparations of six million pounds for the destroyed opium are a significant point of contention and illustrate the economic dimensions of the conflict.

💡Hong Kong

Hong Kong is mentioned in the script as an island that the British sought to acquire as part of the negotiations for reparations. Although the script indicates that the deal was not finalized, the mention of Hong Kong is historically significant as it was eventually ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking, marking a turning point in the colonial history of the region.

💡Nemesis

The Nemesis is an iron steam and sail ship mentioned in the script that was used by the British during the conflict. It is highlighted for its demonstration of power through its guns and rockets, which helped to dispatch Chinese junks and chase away the Chinese fleet. The Nemesis represents the technological superiority of the British naval forces and their impact on the outcome of the battles.

💡Lord Palmerston

Lord Palmerston is a British statesman who appears in the script as Elliot's superior and the British Foreign Secretary at the time. He is portrayed as being dissatisfied with the terms of the treaty negotiated by Elliot, particularly the lack of substantial reparations and territorial gains. Palmerston's reaction underscores the political complexities and differing perspectives within the British government regarding the war and its objectives.

💡Qishan

Qishan is a Chinese official who is mentioned in the script as having been empowered to negotiate with the British. He is involved in the discussions over reparations and the potential cession of territory. The script describes how Qishan was recalled by the Emperor and accused of treason, reflecting the internal political dynamics within China and the high stakes of the negotiations.

Highlights

The Opium Wars began with the British blockade of China and the Chinese offer to let British ships dock if they agreed not to sell opium and be subject to Chinese law.

The first major battle occurred on November 3, 1839 when the British ship Royal Saxon was fired upon by the Chinese after it refused to turn back.

The British superintendent of trade, Captain Elliot, initially hesitated but ultimately ordered his ships to engage the Chinese fleet.

The British quickly overpowered the Chinese fleet, with the Chinese admiral's flagship being the last to retreat after a show of defiance.

The British captured the island of Chusan with little resistance, using it as a base to potentially threaten Shanghai.

Negotiations between the Chinese official Qishan and Elliot resulted in a tentative agreement for China to pay 6 million pounds in reparations and cede the island of Hong Kong to Britain.

However, the agreement broke down as Qishan refused to give up any Chinese territory beyond Hong Kong.

In January 1841, Elliot ordered an attack on Chinese fortifications at Chuenpee, based on rumors of an impending Chinese attack that later proved to be unfounded.

The British quickly defeated the Chinese forces at Chuenpee with minimal British casualties.

The British iron steamship Nemesis demonstrated its firepower, routing the Chinese fleet and capturing several forts.

Qishan negotiated a final settlement with Elliot, with China paying 6 million pounds, Britain acquiring Hong Kong, and both sides agreeing to resume trade.

However, the settlement was not well received by either side, with Elliot being dismissed by the British for not demanding more concessions and Qishan nearly executed by the Chinese Emperor for treason.

The Opium Wars marked the beginning of a period of Western imperialism and forced China to open up to foreign trade and influence.

The conflict highlighted the technological and military superiority of the Western powers over China at the time.

The wars had significant long-term consequences, contributing to China's weakened position in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Opium Wars are a reminder of the destructive impact of drug addiction and the trade that fueled it.

The conflict also underscores the importance of diplomacy and restraint in resolving international disputes.

The wars are a cautionary tale about the dangers of aggressive expansion and the human cost of war.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Opium Wars: Great Britain vs China - Animated History

Opium Wars | 3 Minute History

The First Opium War: History Matters (Short Animated Documentary)

First Opium War Explained (Great Britain v China)

Opium Wars | World History | Khan Academy

First Opium War - The Righteous Minister - Extra History - Part 2

First Opium War - Gunboat Diplomacy - Extra History - Part 3

Takeaways

Q & A

What was the initial conflict that led to the Opium Wars between Britain and China?

What event marked the first real battle of the Opium Wars?

Why did the British decide to cease fire when the Chinese admiral's flagship was left standing?

What was the British strategy after capturing the island of Chusan?

What were the terms of the settlement discussed between Qishan and Elliot?

Why did the talks between Qishan and Elliot break down?

What was the outcome of the battle at Chuenpee near Canton on January 7th, 1841?

How did the Nemesis, an iron steam and sail ship, contribute to the British naval power during the Opium Wars?

What were the final terms agreed upon in the treaty between the British and the Chinese?

Why were both Elliot and Qishan not satisfied with the treaty's outcome?