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Michael CarricoMichael Carrico
Updated:Apr 23, 2026
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First Opium War and the Treaty of Nanjing (1839–1842)

First Opium War and the Treaty of Nanjing (1839–1842)

  1. Lin Zexu appointed to suppress opium

    Labels: Lin Zexu, Daoguang Emperor, Guangdong

  2. Destruction of seized opium at Humen begins

    Labels: Humen, Lin Zexu, Opium stores

  3. Kowloon incident intensifies Anglo-Qing crisis

    Labels: Kowloon, British sailors, Qing jurisdiction

  4. First Battle of Chuenpi marks open hostilities

    Labels: First Battle, Humen strait, British navy

  5. British expedition assembles off China

    Labels: British expedition, Royal Navy, China coast

  6. British capture Zhoushan (first capture of Chusan)

    Labels: Zhoushan, Chusan, British forces

  7. Second Battle of Chuenpi breaks Qing river defenses

    Labels: Second Battle, Humen forts, British navy

  8. Convention of Chuenpi drafted but rejected

    Labels: Convention of, Charles Elliot, Qishan

  9. Battle of the Bogue opens route toward Canton

    Labels: Battle of, Humen forts, British navy

  10. Battle of Amoy expands war along the coast

    Labels: Battle of, Xiamen, British forces

  11. Battle of Chinhai enables occupation of Ningbo

    Labels: Battle of, Ningbo, British occupation

  12. Chinese attempt to retake Ningbo fails

    Labels: Ningbo, Qing counterattack, British garrison

  13. Battle of Wusong opens the way to Shanghai

    Labels: Battle of, Shanghai, British forces

  14. Battle of Chinkiang breaks Yangtze defenses

    Labels: Battle of, Zhenjiang, Yangtze defenses

  15. Treaty of Nanjing signed aboard HMS Cornwallis

    Labels: Treaty of, HMS Cornwallis, Hong Kong

  16. Treaty of Nanjing enters into force after ratifications

    Labels: Treaty of, ratification, treaty implementation

  17. Treaty of the Bogue grants extraterritoriality and MFN

    Labels: Treaty of, extraterritoriality, most-favoured-nation