2nd Opium War - Storming of the Taku Forts (Part1of 2)

Part 1 of 2 videos about the Storming of the Taku Forts, durinmg the Second Opium War in China (1856-60).

Chris Green is The History Chap; telling stories that brings the past to life.

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in this part 1 episode, I want to share with you why the war even happened, an audacious plot to poison all the British in Hong Kong, and a humiliating British military defeat - also at the Taku Forts.

This is a story of bravery, treachery, gunboat diplomacy and humiliation.
And through there two episodes you will meet a series of incredible characters, some of whom are largely forgotten such as General Sir Hope Grant and Sir John Bowring, whilst others who would go on to greater things such as Field Marshal Sir Garnet Wolseley, Admiral John “Jackie” Fisher, and General Charles Gordon (“Gordon of Khartoum”).

Welcome to part 1 in my story of the storming of the Taku Forts.

1st Opium War

The Boxer Rebellion 1900

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:51 Simmering Tensions
1:36 The Arrow Incident
2:10 Harry Parkes
2:46 Sir John Bowring
3:53 Admiral Seymour
4:56 Hong Kong Poison Plot
6:00 Palmerston Wants War
7:13 French Allies
7:44 Lord Elgin
9:42 Canton Captured
10:31 1st Attack on Taku Forts
11:59 Treaty of Tientsin
14:20 Chinese Repudiate Treaty
15:34 Admiral Hope
17:08 Josiah Tattnall
19:44 British Defeat
22:39 The Next Stage

Timeline of the 2nd Opium War & Storming of the Taku Forts

1842 - Treaty of Nanking ends First Opium War
Oct 1856 - Arrow seized by Chinese (Arrow Incident)
23rd Oct 1856- Admiral Seymour bombards Chinese forts in Pearl River
15 Jan 1857 - Chinese baker slips arsenic into bread in Hong Kong
28 Dec 1857 - British & French bombard Canton
5 Jan 1858 - British & French enter Canton
20 May 1858 - Admiral Seymour seizes Taku Forts.
26 June 1858 - Treaty of Tientsin
24 June 1859 - Admiral Hope arrives at Taku Forts
25 June1859 - Chinese defeat Admiral Hope at Taku Forts
May 1860 - British - French expeditionary force arrives at Shanghai
12 Aug 1860 - General Hope Grant lands up river from Taku Forts
21 Aug 1860 - Taku forts successfully stormed by British & French forces.
18 Sep 1860 - Harry Parkes and his escort ambushed & captured by Chinese
21 Sep 1860 - Battle of Palikao
13 Oct 1860 - General Napier enters Peking (Beijing)
24 Oct 1860 - Lord Elgin arrives in Beijing to conduct peace treaty (Convention of Peking)

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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.

History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or Youtube animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.

My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"

Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.

Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[rorygillies]

I must admit upon hearing 11000 British and 200 frigates were inbound, i hoisted the colours and sounded the bugle. Great video as always

[nigelralphmurphy]

At last, a more realistic and balanced account of the 2nd chinese war. Thank you!

[alexsmith-oblu]

Excellent video! Thank you for sharing your history!

[jeningle]

Having only a tepid interest in British involvement with China, I decided to watch anyway. However Chris has worked his usual magic on a topic and I now can't wait for part two of the Taku forts. Yet another part of British history brought to life by the History Chap. Well done Chris!

[cnzaqdfrut]

Thank you professor for bringing insights into the wars.
The treaty of Nanking has been on the 8th grade final history exam for generations, it's huge.
For the longest time, the Chinese based upon the list of allies(8 nations) during the 2nd opium war to determine whether a western country is friend or foe. Obviously we can hold a grudge.
As Chinese historians never miss a chance to chronicle any defeat we suffered in great lengths, the century of humiliation carries weight beyond measuring.

[dbarker]

Thanks! Always appreciate an appearance by Chinese Gordon. Looking forward to part two.

[aero]

I see Flashman books on the bookshelf! I like! Flashman and the Dragon is a great take on these events, full of historical notes on what happened.

[generaldurge]

How this guy only got 220k followers? He’s so good at presenting history

[alexanderpavlovichromanov]

Can't wait for part 2, splendid job as always. God save the King, rule Britannia!

[ludwigderzanker]

Chris, a new master piece for me as a british military history starter, kind of. I love the blood and water saying and the anglo saxons relationship between British and United states cousins. Yeh was all but never a han Chinese! Waiting for part 2 of this fine lesson, all the best from Northern Germany Ludwig.

[BootsontheTable]

It’s always amazing to me how confident the British forces and other colonial powers were in these sorts of engagements. Outnumbered and outgunned? Never mind we are British!

[harryshriver]

This was such an interesting story I was captivated by it. I am looking forward to the second installment and the result of the second Opium War. Muy bien, amigo y gracias! 😊

[andrewsteele]

Thanks Chris, I was a bit tardy getting to this video, But I need uninterrupted time to take in the whole story and as usual it was brilliant. Cheers

[FranciscoPreira]

Lets crak on to part 2, part 1 is great, thanks for sharing.

[DarrenMarsh-kxhd]

Very well presented, really looking forward to part II.
It's nice to now be getting a clearer picture of the lives of the Victorian Generals, Wolseley & Gordon in particular.
Here's hoping that you one day do a video about Charies Gordon and exactly what he did to earn that yellow jacket.

[stigg]

Great video and very interesting, thank you and stay well.

[uksimonseye]

Great story telling skills by The History Chap.

[BoerChris]

Exciting stuff! Looking forward to Part 2.

[mediapartners]

Another excellent presentation. Well done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[SirRuffDiamond]

Great stuff! I have a print of the Capture of forts at Cheunpee at Canton from a sketch by Lieut. White Royal Marines on the spot with translations at bottom in French and German so assume the assault included other nations - assumed it happened but Google appears silent on the matter - probably why we shouldn’t throw our books and prints away and historians as value and real context - really enjoying these talks!