Signing of the Treaty of Tientsin: Following British military victories and the occupation of Guangzhou (Canton), the Treaty of Tientsin was signed, formally concluding the First Opium War. The treaty had several key provisions:
- Opening of additional treaty ports: In addition to Guangzhou, four new treaty ports - Tianjin, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Fuzhou - were opened to foreign trade and residence.
- Legalization of the Opium Trade: While the treaty did not explicitly legalize the opium trade, it effectively recognized the British right to import opium into China by placing a low tariff on the drug. This provision was viewed as a major concession by the Chinese government and further contributed to resentment against Western powers.
- Extraterritoriality: The treaty granted extraterritorial rights to British subjects in China, meaning they were not subject to Chinese law and would be tried in British courts if accused of crimes. This privilege further eroded Chinese sovereignty.
- Payment of Indemnities: The Chinese government agreed to pay Britain an indemnity of 6 million taels of silver as compensation for losses incurred during the conflict.
- Apology for the Arrow Incident: The British had used the seizure of the Chinese lorcha ship "Arrow" as a pretext for war. The treaty required the Chinese government to issue an apology for this incident and release captured British subjects.
The Treaty of Tientsin, along with subsequent treaties imposed by Western powers, marked a significant turning point in Chinese history. It weakened China's sovereignty, led to increased foreign influence and economic exploitation, and contributed to growing resentment and anti-foreign sentiment among the Chinese population. These developments would set the stage for further conflicts and turmoil in China, impacting its political, economic, and social spheres for years to come.