The Convention of Peking 1860: A Pivotal Treaty in Sino-Western Relations

In the annals of history, the year 1860 stands as a pivotal juncture in the relationship between China and the West. The Second Opium War, a conflict sparked by tensions over trade and diplomatic rights, culminated in the signing of the Convention of Peking, a treaty that would profoundly reshape the course of Sino-Western interactions. In his meticulously researched and engaging book, "The Convention of Peking 1860," historian Gary Cox offers a comprehensive examination of this momentous agreement, shedding light on its diplomatic machinations, cultural implications, and lasting impact.

The Convention of Peking (1860)

by Gary W. Cox

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	590 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	7 pages
Hardcover	:	116 pages
Item Weight	:	8.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.48 x 9 inches

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The Context: The Second Opium War

To fully grasp the significance of the Convention of Peking, it is essential to delve into the events that preceded it. The Second Opium War was triggered by Britain's insistence on legalizing the opium trade in China. Despite Chinese opposition, British forces seized key ports and advanced inland, eventually capturing Beijing. The war concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Tientsin in 1858, which granted concessions to Britain, France, Russia, and the United States.

Negotiations and Key Provisions

The Convention of Peking was negotiated in the wake of the Treaty of Tientsin. It aimed to revise and expand the provisions of the earlier treaty, reflecting the changing power dynamics between China and the Western powers. Key provisions of the convention included:

• The legalization of the opium trade in China
• The opening of additional ports to foreign trade
• The establishment of foreign legations in Beijing
• The ceding of Kowloon Peninsula to Britain
• The payment of war reparations to the Western powers

Diplomatic Intrigues and Cultural Exchange

The negotiations leading to the Convention of Peking were fraught with diplomatic intrigues and cultural misunderstandings. Western powers sought to maximize their gains, while the Chinese government struggled to preserve its sovereignty. Historian Gary Cox delves into the intricacies of these negotiations, revealing the strategies, motivations, and challenges faced by both sides.

Beyond its political implications, the Convention of Peking also had a significant impact on cultural exchange. The establishment of foreign legations in Beijing brought Western diplomats, missionaries, and merchants into direct contact with Chinese society. This interaction led to the of new ideas, technologies, and customs, contributing to the modernization of China and the globalization of world affairs.

Lasting Impact and Historical Legacy

The Convention of Peking 1860 had a profound and lasting impact on Sino-Western relations. It marked a turning point in China's engagement with the outside world, paving the way for increased foreign influence and the erosion of Chinese sovereignty. The treaty also had significant geopolitical consequences, shaping the power balance in East Asia and contributing to the rise of imperialism.

Historian Gary Cox provides a nuanced analysis of the Convention of Peking's legacy, exploring its implications for China's political, economic, and cultural development. He examines how the treaty influenced China's relations with the West in the decades that followed, including the Boxer Rebellion and the Chinese Civil War.

Gary Cox's "The Convention of Peking 1860" is a remarkable work of historical scholarship that sheds new light on a pivotal event in Sino-Western relations. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Cox unravels the complexities of the treaty, its diplomatic machinations, cultural implications, and lasting impact. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of China, diplomacy, or international relations. It is a valuable addition to the literature on Sino-Western encounters and provides a nuanced understanding of a transformative moment in world history.

Author Biography

Gary Cox is a renowned historian specializing in the history of China and Sino-Western relations. He is a professor of history at the University of California, San Diego, and the author of several acclaimed books, including "The Qing Empire and the Opium War" and "The China Martyrs of 1895." Cox's research and writing have garnered widespread recognition for their depth, rigor, and insightful perspectives on the complex interactions between China and the West.

Book Details

• Title: The Convention of Peking 1860
• Author: Gary Cox
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication Date: 2022
• : 978-0674256704

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The Convention of Peking (1860)

by Gary W. Cox

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	590 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	7 pages
Hardcover	:	116 pages
Item Weight	:	8.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.48 x 9 inches

FREE