In short
In June 1858, China signed a series of treaties with Britain, France, Russia, and the United States after losing the Second Opium War. These agreements—collectively known as the Treaty of Tientsin—forced open Chinese ports, granted foreign diplomats access to Beijing, and legalized the opium trade. They marked a turning point in China's relationship with the West, cementing a period of foreign dominance that would reshape the country for decades.
How it unfolded.
The five-minute version
What actually happened.
The Treaty of Tientsin, also known as the Treaty of Tianjin, is a collective name for several unequal treaties signed at Tianjin in June 1858. The Qing dynasty, Russian Empire, Second French Empire, United Kingdom, and the United States were the parties involved. 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.
As it was happening
14 voices, 21915 days.
One beat at a time. Click any dot on the timeline to jump, press play for autoplay, or use the arrow keys to step.
First Opium War begins
Britain initiates conflict with China over trade restrictions and opium policy, setting conditions for later treaty negotiations.
Voices from this moment (1)
First Opium War begins
Jan 1
“Britain initiates conflict with China over trade…”
As it was happening
14 voices, 21915 days.
Day 0 · January 1, 1840
First Opium War begins
Britain initiates conflict with China over trade restrictions and opium policy, setting conditions for later treaty negotiations.
“Britain initiates conflict with China over trade…”
- First Opium War begins, Jan 1
Day 971 · August 29, 1842
Treaty of Nanking signed
Britain defeats China in the First Opium War; this treaty opens five ports and cedes Hong Kong to Britain, preceding the Tientsin treaties.
“Britain defeats China in the First Opium War; this treaty…”
- Treaty of Nanking signed, Aug 29
Day 6125 · October 8, 1856
Second Opium War begins
Britain and France invade China following disputes over trade access and diplomatic representation, leading directly to the Tientsin negotiations.
“Britain and France invade China following disputes over…”
- Second Opium War begins, Oct 8
Day 6738 · June 13, 1858
Treaty of Tientsin with Britain signed
Britain and Qing China sign their bilateral treaty, securing trade concessions, indemnities, and the right to station diplomats in Beijing.
Day 6738 · June 13, 1858
Treaty of Tientsin with Russia signed
Russia gains territorial concessions in Manchuria and opens trade relationships with China.
“Russia gains territorial concessions in Manchuria and opens…”
- Treaty of Tientsin with Russia signed, Jun 13
“Britain and Qing China sign their bilateral treaty,…”
- Treaty of Tientsin with Britain signed, Jun 13
Day 6741 · June 16, 1858
Treaty of Tientsin with France signed
France secures parallel concessions including religious toleration and missionary access alongside commercial privileges.
“France secures parallel concessions including religious…”
- Treaty of Tientsin with France signed, Jun 16
Day 6743 · June 18, 1858
Treaty of Tientsin with the United States signed
The US secures most-favored-nation status and access to treaty ports without direct military involvement.
“We have opened the great market of China to British…”
- Dispatches to Foreign Office, June 1858, Jun 30
“The barbarians have forced us to sign what we cannot accept.”
- Synthesized from period court records and imperial edicts - Summer 1858, Jul 15
“The Treaty secures for France commercial privileges equal…”
- Le Moniteur Universel, July 1858, Jul 20
“We surrendered without learning why we lost.”
- Synthesized from period memorials and private writings - Late 1858, Oct 15
“At last the door opens to our evangelical mission in the…”
- Synthesized from missionary correspondence and reports - Autumn 1858, Sep 1
“The US secures most-favored-nation status and access to…”
- Treaty of Tientsin with the United States signed, Jun 18
Day 7596 · October 18, 1860
Treaty of Peking ratified
Ratification protocols finalized after the burning of Beijing by Anglo-French forces; effectively enforces Tientsin terms and adds Kowloon to British territory.
“Ratification protocols finalized after the burning of…”
- Treaty of Peking ratified, Oct 18
Day 21915 · January 1, 1900
Unequal treaty system solidifies
The framework established at Tientsin extends across China through successive agreements, defining Sino-Western relations through the early 20th century.
“The framework established at Tientsin extends across China…”
- Unequal treaty system solidifies, Jan 1
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Sources & citations.
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Where this came from.
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Wikipedia
1 source- 1.Treaty of Tientsin
en.wikipedia.org