Second Battle of Canton during the Second Anglo-Chinese War (1857–1858)

The Second Battle of Canton occurred during the Second Opium War, beginning on 28 December 1857. British and French forces assaulted Guangzhou to enforce treaty rights and capture official Ye Mingchen. The rapid victory contributed to the 1858 Treaty of Tientsin, though occupation faced resistance in spring 1858.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. British access to Canton was barred by viceroy Ye Mingchen despite the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. Lord Elgin demanded compliance and reparations in December 1857. The conflict arose from the Arrow incident and earlier attacks on the Thirteen Factories, which were destroyed by fire in 1856.

Assault. Elgin ordered an Anglo-French force to take the town, with the assault beginning on 28 December 1857. The allies stormed Canton in December, capturing the city by 1 January 1858. The operation involved fewer than 6,000 troops against a population exceeding one million.

Aftermath. The ease of the victory influenced the signing of the Treaty of Tientsin in 1858. However, resistance formed in spring 1858, leading to assassination attempts and French reprisals. The burnt residencies were relocated to Shamian island, reflecting the ongoing instability of the occupation.

People involved

Sources

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