Treaty of Tientsin

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Tientsin?

Subject:

Treaty of Tientsin

Known for:

A series of unequal treaties signed in 1858, opening China to foreign powers.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of Tientsin, also known as the Treaty of Tianjin, is a collective name for several unequal treaties signed at Tianjin (then romanized as Tientsin) in June 1858. The Qing dynasty, Russian Empire, Second French Empire, United Kingdom, and the United States were the parties involved.

Career & Major Achievements

These treaties, counted by the Chinese among the unequal treaties, opened more Chinese ports to foreign trade, permitted foreign legations in the Chinese capital Beijing, allowed Christian missionary activity, and effectively legalized the import of opium. They ended the first phase of the Second Opium War, which had begun in 1856 and were ratified by the Emperor of China in the Convention of Peking in 1860, after the end of the war.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Xianfeng Emperor authorized negotiations for the treaty on May 29, 1858. His chief representatives were the Manchu Guiliang and the Mongol Huashana.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1856: 1856 Milestone — They ended the first phase of the Second Opium War, which had begun in 1856 and were ratified by the Emperor of China in the Convention of Peking in 1860, after the end of the war.
2. 1858: 1858 Milestone — The Treaty of Tientsin, also known as the Treaty of Tianjin, is a collective name for several unequal treaties signed at Tianjin (then romanized as Tientsin) in June 1858.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Tientsin

True or False: “The Treaty of Tientsin fundamentally opened more Chinese ports to foreign trade and legalized the import of opium.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The treaties signed in 1858 were highly unequal, forcing the Qing dynasty to concede significant economic and sovereign rights, including the right to foreign trade and opium importation.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aimé Bonpland — Historical peer (Died in 1858) (1858): French explorer and botanist, renowned for his scientific travels with Alexander von Humboldt.
• Alexis Soyer — Historical peer (Died in 1858) (1858): Pioneering French chef, writer, and inventor celebrated for his work in Victorian England.
• Alfred Deakin — Historical peer (Born in 1856) (1856): Father of Australian Federation and second Prime Minister of Australia.
• Amedeo Avogadro — Historical peer (Died in 1856) (1856): Pioneering Italian scientist known for Avogadro's law on gas volumes and molecular theory.
• Aleksey Khomyakov — Historical peer (Died in 1860) (1860): Founding theoretician of the Slavophile movement in Russian philosophy.
• Alphonse Mucha — Historical peer (Born in 1860) (1860): Master of Art Nouveau, famed for decorative posters and The Slav Epic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of Tientsin