In October 1839 the British Parliament passed the Bill of War against China by a slight majority after a heated debate. Arriving in June 1840, the British expeditionary force swiftly moved north to occupy Dinghai (Tinghai), then farther morth to the mouth of River Baihe, in threateningly close of events, the Qing government dismissed Lin Zexu and despatched Qishan (Keshen) to negotiate peace.
Qishan and Elliot jointly prepared a draft treaty after prolonged negociations, which in the end was not accepted by either government.
Hostilities were resumed the following February and Guangzhou fell to invading troops in May 1841.
Credit : History Museum of HK.
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