{"id":15441,"date":"2024-03-31T17:30:35","date_gmt":"2024-03-31T16:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=15441"},"modified":"2024-03-31T17:30:35","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T16:30:35","slug":"what-port-did-the-british-attack-along-the-yangtze-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-port-did-the-british-attack-along-the-yangtze-river\/","title":{"rendered":"What Port Did The British Attack Along The Yangtze River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What Port Did the British Attack Along the Yangtze River?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1842, British forces launched an attack on the port city of Zhoushan along the Yangtze River. The attack was one of the most controversial actions of the First Opium War, fought between the British Empire and the Qīng dynasty of China. The First Opium War was a conflict that began in 1839 and was primarily fought over the protection of British merchant interests in the country of China, and the legal status of the importation of opium from India. <\/p>\n

Zhoushan, located on an archipelago at the mouth of the Yangtze River in eastern China, was an important trading port. As part of their demands during negotiations, the British demanded access to the port city and had been refused. When negotiations broke down, they decided to take the port by force. The British sent a fleet of ships, including the HMS Wellesley, to attack the port. On the 3rd of July, the British bombarded the city with cannon fire and eventually took control. <\/p>\n

The attack on Zhoushan was opposed by some military and political decision makers in Britain. Many believed the attack was not justifiable, as there were other alternatives available, such as returning to negotiations. They argued that taking the port by violent means was a sign of cultural and racial superiority, which clashed with the idea of freedom and justice. Ultimately, the decision to attack was made by the British commander, Charles Elliot, and the Chinese response was limited. <\/p>\n