Convention of Peking

Definition

The Convention of Peking, signed in 1860, was a significant treaty between China and several Western powers, including Britain and France, that ended the Second Opium War. This agreement marked a pivotal moment in Chinese history, as it further opened China to foreign influence and trade while weakening its sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Convention of Peking resulted in significant territorial concessions, including the cession of Hong Kong to Britain and the opening of additional ports to foreign trade.
2. This treaty also legalized the opium trade, further entrenching Western economic interests in China.
3. China was forced to pay large indemnities to the victorious powers, which placed a heavy financial burden on the Qing dynasty.
4. The Convention established diplomatic representation in Beijing, signaling a major shift in China's international relations and recognition of foreign powers.
5. It exemplified the broader trend of imperialism in Asia during the 19th century, where Western nations exerted control over weaker states through military force and treaties.

Review Questions

• How did the Convention of Peking impact China's sovereignty and relationships with Western powers?
  • The Convention of Peking had a profound effect on China's sovereignty as it further diminished the Qing dynasty's control over its territory and affairs. By signing this treaty under pressure from Britain and France, China acknowledged the authority of these foreign powers, leading to an increase in Western influence. The treaty established formal diplomatic relations and opened additional ports for trade, making it clear that China was becoming more vulnerable to foreign intervention.
• Discuss the significance of the territorial concessions made by China as a result of the Convention of Peking.
  • The territorial concessions made during the Convention of Peking were significant as they fundamentally altered China's political landscape. By ceding territories like Hong Kong and opening new ports, China lost critical areas to foreign control, which not only undermined its sovereignty but also facilitated increased Western exploitation. These changes set a precedent for further encroachments by other nations and laid the groundwork for future conflicts over China's integrity and autonomy.
• Evaluate how the Convention of Peking reflects broader themes of imperialism in the 19th century.
  • The Convention of Peking exemplifies key themes of 19th-century imperialism, particularly regarding how stronger nations utilized military might and diplomatic pressure to impose unequal treaties on weaker states. The terms forced upon China highlight the aggressive tactics employed by Western powers to expand their economic interests while disregarding local sovereignty. Additionally, this event illustrates how such impositions contributed to a legacy of resentment in China, fueling nationalistic movements later on and leading to significant upheaval in Chinese society as it grappled with modernization amid foreign dominance.

Related terms

Second Opium War: A conflict between China and Western powers from 1856 to 1860, primarily driven by trade disputes and the opium trade.

Treaty of Nanking: The 1842 treaty that ended the First Opium War and established a series of concessions for Britain in China, setting a precedent for future unequal treaties.

Unequal Treaties: Treaties imposed on China by foreign powers that were signed under duress, resulting in significant concessions that favored the foreign nations.