The Treaty of Nanking marked the end of the First Opium War, ceding Hong Kong to Britain and opening China to foreign trade under unequal terms.
The Treaty of Nanking, signed in 1842, concluded the First Opium War between Qing China and Great Britain. This treaty marked a significant shift in Sino-British relations, as it imposed unequal terms on China, including the cession of Hong Kong to Britain and the opening of five Chinese ports to British trade and residence. The treaty also established a 'fair and reasonable' tariff and granted British citizens extraterritorial rights in China. The Treaty of Nanking is often cited as the first of the 'unequal treaties' that eroded China's sovereignty and marked the beginning of the 'Century of Humiliation.' Its provisions had long-lasting impacts on China's political landscape and its relations with Western powers, setting a precedent for further concessions and treaties in the years that followed.
Chapters
Timeline
1839-06-03
Destruction of Opium at Humen
Commissioner Lin Zexu ordered the destruction of over 20,000 chests of opium at Humen, escalating tensions between China and Britain.
1839-11-03
First Opium War Begins
The First Opium War officially began as British forces attacked Chinese positions in response to the opium crackdown.
1841-01-20
Capture of Hong Kong
British forces captured Hong Kong, establishing a strategic base for further operations against China.
1842-08-29
Treaty of Nanking Signed
The Treaty of Nanking was signed aboard the HMS Cornwallis, concluding the First Opium War and imposing significant concessions on China.
1843-07-26
Treaty Ratified
The Treaty of Nanking was ratified by both parties, formally enacting its provisions and altering Sino-British relations.
1844-07-03
Treaty of Wanghia
The Treaty of Wanghia was signed between the United States and China, following the precedent set by the Treaty of Nanking.
1856-10-08
Second Opium War Begins
Tensions over treaty violations and unresolved issues led to the outbreak of the Second Opium War between China and Western powers.
1860-10-24
Convention of Peking
The Convention of Peking further expanded foreign privileges in China, building on the framework established by the Treaty of Nanking.
Connected Across The Archives
Explore specific connections to other archives—civilizations, conflicts, dynasties, and companies that share history with this treaty.
Civilization Archive
(3)Abbasid Civilization
The Treaty of Nanking in 1842, ending the First Opium War, diminished Qing control, altering Asian trade previously influenced by Abbasid legacies.
Ainu Civilization
The Treaty of Nanking's opening of Chinese ports to British trade disrupted regional dynamics, indirectly affecting the Ainu's cultural interactions.
Qing Civilization
The Treaty of Nanking forced the Qing Dynasty to cede Hong Kong and open ports, marking the start of Western dominance in China.
