Delitte, Jeam-Yves/Q-Hay Die Großen Seeschlachten. Band 22: Fatshan Creek - Der zweite Opiumkrieg 1857

The first contacts with the Celestial Empire date back to ancient times. Nevertheless, the imposing nation was to remain hermetically sealed for a long time. Self-sufficient China saw no point in relations with foreign countries. But all this was short-lived. The powerful European and especially English shipping companies knew how to lend their voice to the Middle Kingdom. In the 18th century, the tea trade was started before the far more lucrative opium trade was established. Worse still, corruption became the rule and the massive introduction of opium caused devastating damage to the Chinese population. The emperor had no choice but to ban the import of opium. A decision that naturally displeased him. In times in which one does not shy away from threatening the other with armed force in order to enforce its policies, the world's number one power does not hesitate for long. The first confrontation took place between 1839 and 1842. The United Kingdom emerged as the big winner, forcing countless concessions on a weakened China. And the appetite of the West knew no bounds. Other nations such as France and the United States of America also joined in the shameless feast. But by taking advantage, resentment is fuelled and a new war is inevitable...