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The Second Opium War was exclusively known as the Second Anglo-Chinese War, without any other alternative names.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Second Opium War was also known as the Arrow War, in addition to the Second Anglo-Chinese War.
The primary belligerents against the Qing dynasty in the Second Opium War were the United States and Russia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary belligerents against the Qing dynasty were the United Kingdom and France, not the United States and Russia.
Queen Victoria and Napoleon III were among the key leaders for the allied forces during the Second Opium War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Queen Victoria for the United Kingdom and Napoleon III for France were indeed among the key leaders for the allied forces.
The Xianfeng Emperor and Prince Gong were prominent leaders for the Qing dynasty during the Second Opium War.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Xianfeng Emperor and Prince Gong are listed among the main commanders and leaders for the Qing dynasty during the Second Opium War.
The combined troop strength of British and French forces during the war was approximately 25,000 troops.
Answer: False
Explanation: The British forces had approximately 13,127 troops, and the French forces numbered around 7,000 troops, totaling approximately 20,127, not 25,000.
The United Kingdom reported over 1,000 killed during the Second Opium War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The United Kingdom reported 134 killed and 642 wounded, which is significantly less than 1,000 killed.
China suffered significantly fewer casualties than the allied forces, with less than 1,000 killed and wounded.
Answer: False
Explanation: China suffered between 2,100 and 2,801 killed and wounded, which is considerably more than 1,000 and significantly higher than the allied forces' reported casualties.
The Opium Wars were primarily fought over the right of Western powers to import tea from China.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Opium Wars were primarily fought over the right of Western powers, particularly Britain, to import opium into China, not tea.
The Treaty of Nanking, which concluded the First Opium War, granted Britain the cession of Hong Kong Island.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Treaty of Nanking, signed in 1842, indeed included the cession of Hong Kong Island to Britain among its key provisions.
The First Opium War is considered by modern Chinese history to be the end of traditional Chinese history.
Answer: False
Explanation: In China, the First Opium War is considered to be the *beginning* of modern Chinese history, marking a significant turning point, not its end.
The United States and Russia provided significant military aid to the British and French during the main conflict of the Second Opium War.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the United States and Russia sent envoys to offer military help, Russia ultimately sent no military aid, and the U.S. maintained neutrality in the main conflict.
What was the approximate duration of the Second Opium War?
Answer: Four years and sixteen days
Explanation: The Second Opium War was fought between October 8, 1856, and October 24, 1860, lasting approximately four years and sixteen days.
Which of the following was NOT an alternative name for the Second Opium War?
Answer: The Boxer Rebellion
Explanation: The Second Opium War is also known as the Second Anglo-Chinese War or the Arrow War. The Boxer Rebellion was a separate conflict that occurred later.
Which two major European powers were the primary belligerents against the Qing dynasty in the Second Opium War?
Answer: United Kingdom and France
Explanation: The United Kingdom and France were the primary belligerents against the Qing dynasty in the Second Opium War.
Who was a key leader for the Qing dynasty during the Second Opium War?
Answer: Sengge Rinchen
Explanation: General Sengge Rinchen was one of the main commanders and leaders for the Qing dynasty during the Second Opium War.
What was the approximate troop strength of the British forces during the Second Opium War?
Answer: Around 13,127 troops
Explanation: The British forces had an approximate strength of 13,127 troops during the Second Opium War.
What was the central issue over which the Opium Wars were primarily fought?
Answer: The right of Western powers to import opium to China
Explanation: The Opium Wars were primarily fought over the right of Western powers, particularly Britain, to import opium into China.
What was one of the key provisions for Britain from the Treaty of Nanking, which concluded the First Opium War?
Answer: The cession of Hong Kong Island
Explanation: The Treaty of Nanking, which concluded the First Opium War, granted Britain the cession of Hong Kong Island.
What act of aggression occurred in 1847 that served as a prelude to the Second Opium War?
Answer: The Expedition to Canton, where British forces captured forts and spiked guns.
Explanation: In 1847, the Expedition to Canton, involving British forces assaulting and capturing forts, served as a prelude to the Second Opium War.
The name 'Arrow War' for the conflict refers to the cargo ship *Arrow*, whose seizure by Qing officials was a key pretext for the conflict.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Arrow War' is named after the cargo ship *Arrow*, whose seizure by Qing officials served as a primary catalyst for the conflict.
The 'Arrow incident' involved the seizure of a fully and legally registered British cargo ship by Chinese marines.
Answer: False
Explanation: Although the *Arrow* flew the British flag, its British registration had actually expired at the time of its seizure.
Harry Parkes, the British consul in Canton, demanded the immediate release of the *Arrow*'s crew and an apology.
Answer: True
Explanation: Harry Parkes, the British consul, indeed demanded the immediate release of the crew and an apology for the alleged insult to the British flag.
Viceroy Ye Mingchen fully complied with Harry Parkes' demands by releasing all of the *Arrow*'s crew members.
Answer: False
Explanation: Viceroy Ye Mingchen released nine of the *Arrow*'s crew members but refused to release the remaining three, leading to further escalation.
The British immediately responded to the *Arrow* incident by launching a full-scale land invasion of Canton.
Answer: False
Explanation: The British immediately responded by destroying four barrier forts and beginning to bombard Canton, rather than launching a full-scale land invasion.
The Indian Mutiny in May 1857 caused British troops intended for China to be diverted to India.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indian Mutiny indeed became a serious priority in May 1857, leading to the diversion of British troops originally destined for China.
France's involvement in the Second Opium War was primarily motivated by economic interests, similar to Britain's.
Answer: False
Explanation: France's involvement was primarily motivated by the execution of a French missionary, Auguste Chapdelaine, rather than economic interests.
After occupying Canton, the Anglo-French forces immediately replaced the city governor with their own military commander.
Answer: False
Explanation: After occupying Canton, a joint committee of the Alliance was formed, and the Allies left the city governor in his post to maintain order.
Viceroy Ye Mingchen was captured and exiled to Calcutta, India, where he eventually starved himself to death.
Answer: True
Explanation: After the capture of Canton, Viceroy Ye Mingchen was indeed captured, exiled to Calcutta, India, and subsequently starved himself to death.
The 'Esing Bakery incident' was a successful poisoning attempt on Hong Kong Governor Sir John Bowring.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Esing Bakery incident' was a bungled attempt to poison Governor Sir John Bowring and his family, as the excessive amount of poison used caused victims to vomit, preventing lethal doses.
What was the significance of the name 'Arrow War' for the Second Opium War?
Answer: It referred to the cargo ship *Arrow*, whose seizure was a key pretext.
Explanation: The name 'Arrow War' refers to the cargo ship *Arrow*, whose seizure by Qing officials served as the immediate starting point and a key pretext for the conflict.
What was the status of the *Arrow*'s British registration at the time of its seizure by Chinese marines in October 1856?
Answer: It had expired.
Explanation: At the time of its detention, the *Arrow*'s British registration had actually expired, despite the ship flying the British flag.
Who was Harry Parkes, and what was his role following the *Arrow* incident?
Answer: The British consul in Canton who demanded the crew's release and an apology
Explanation: Harry Parkes was the British consul in Canton who, following the *Arrow* incident, demanded the immediate release of the crew and an apology for the alleged insult to the British flag.
What immediate military action did the British take after the *Arrow* incident in October 1856?
Answer: They destroyed four barrier forts and began to bombard Canton.
Explanation: On October 23, 1856, the British destroyed four barrier forts and subsequently began to bombard the city of Canton.
What significant event in May 1857 caused British troops originally destined for China to be diverted?
Answer: The Indian Mutiny
Explanation: The Indian Mutiny in May 1857 became a serious priority, leading to the diversion of British troops originally intended for China.
What was the official reason for France's involvement in the Second Opium War?
Answer: The execution of a French missionary, Auguste Chapdelaine.
Explanation: France joined the British action primarily due to the execution of the French missionary Auguste Chapdelaine by Chinese local authorities.
What was the administrative arrangement in Canton after its occupation by Anglo-French forces in late 1857?
Answer: A joint committee of the Alliance was formed, and the Allies left the city governor in his post.
Explanation: After occupying Canton, a joint committee of the Alliance was formed, and the Allies chose to leave the city governor in his post to maintain order.
What was the fate of Viceroy Ye Mingchen after the capture of Canton in January 1858?
Answer: He was captured and exiled to Calcutta, India, where he starved himself to death.
Explanation: Viceroy Ye Mingchen was captured after the fall of Canton and subsequently exiled to Calcutta, India, where he eventually starved himself to death.
What was the 'Esing Bakery incident' in Hong Kong in January 1858?
Answer: A bungled attempt to poison Governor Sir John Bowring and his family with arsenic.
Explanation: The 'Esing Bakery incident' was a bungled attempt to poison Governor Sir John Bowring and his family, as the baker used an excessive amount of arsenic, causing victims to vomit and preventing lethal doses.
The Treaties of Tianjin opened only two additional Chinese ports to Western trade.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Treaties of Tianjin opened 11 more Chinese ports to Western trade, not just two.
The Treaty of Aigun, signed with Russia, resulted in Russia gaining the left bank of the Amur River.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Treaty of Aigun indeed resulted in Russia gaining the left bank of the Amur River, shifting the border south.
The Xianfeng Emperor ordered General Sengge Rinchen to reinforce the Taku Forts because he was eager to fully comply with the Treaties of Tianjin.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Xianfeng Emperor ordered the reinforcement of the Taku Forts because hawkish ministers prevailed upon him to resist Western encroachment, not to comply with the treaties.
During the Second Battle of Taku Forts, American Commodore Josiah Tattnall III strictly maintained neutrality and did not intervene.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite orders to maintain neutrality, American Commodore Josiah Tattnall III provided covering fire to protect the retreating British convoy during the Second Battle of Taku Forts.
Which of the following was NOT one of the four major Western powers involved in the Treaties of Tianjin?
Answer: Germany
Explanation: The four major Western powers involved in the Treaties of Tianjin were Britain, France, Russia, and the United States. Germany was not a party to these treaties.
What new right was granted to foreigners regarding travel within China by the Treaties of Tianjin?
Answer: The right for foreigners to travel in the internal regions of China.
Explanation: The Treaties of Tianjin granted foreigners the right to travel in the internal regions of China, a privilege previously prohibited.
What territorial gain did Russia make as a result of the Treaty of Aigun?
Answer: The left bank of the Amur River.
Explanation: As a result of the Treaty of Aigun, Russia gained control over the left bank of the Amur River.
Why did the Xianfeng Emperor order General Sengge Rinchen to reinforce the Taku Forts in June 1858?
Answer: Because hawkish ministers prevailed upon him to resist Western encroachment.
Explanation: The Xianfeng Emperor ordered the reinforcement of the Taku Forts due to the influence of hawkish ministers who advocated resistance against Western encroachment, despite the recently signed Treaties of Tianjin.
How did American Commodore Josiah Tattnall III intervene during the Second Battle of Taku Forts in June 1859?
Answer: He provided covering fire to protect the retreating British convoy.
Explanation: Despite orders to maintain neutrality, American Commodore Josiah Tattnall III provided covering fire to protect the retreating British convoy during the Second Battle of Taku Forts.
Southern Chinese laborers, referred to as 'coolies,' actively assisted the Anglo-French forces during the Third Battle of Taku Forts.
Answer: True
Explanation: Southern Chinese laborers, or 'coolies,' served with the French and British forces, carrying ladders and supporting them under fire during the assault on the Peiho Forts.
The Battle of Baliqiao resulted in a decisive victory for General Sengge Rinchen's Mongol cavalry against the Anglo-French forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Baliqiao resulted in the annihilation of General Sengge Rinchen's 10,000 troops by the Anglo-French forces' concentrated firepower.
After the Qing army's defeat near Beijing, the Xianfeng Emperor remained in the capital to negotiate peace.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the Qing army's defeat, the Xianfeng Emperor fled the capital, first to the Chengde Summer Palace and then to Rehe Province, leaving his brother Prince Gong to negotiate.
Lord Elgin ordered the burning of the Old Summer Palace as a general act of retribution against the entire Qing population.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lord Elgin ordered the burning of the Old Summer Palace specifically as a punishment on the Emperor for the mistreatment and murder of captured prisoners, not as a general act against the population.
The razing of the Old Summer Palace by British soldiers, without French assistance, took approximately two days.
Answer: True
Explanation: The razing of the Old Summer Palace by British soldiers, without French assistance, indeed took two days, though it reportedly burned for three days and three nights.
The Treaty of Tientsin was finally ratified in London, officially ending the Second Opium War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Treaty of Tientsin was finally ratified by the Convention of Peking on October 24, 1860, in Beijing, not London.
What role did Southern Chinese laborers, or 'coolies,' play during the Third Battle of Taku Forts in 1860?
Answer: They served with the French and British forces, carrying ladders and supporting under fire.
Explanation: Southern Chinese laborers, or 'coolies,' actively served with the French and British forces during the Third Battle of Taku Forts, carrying ladders and providing support under fire.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Baliqiao on September 21, 1860?
Answer: General Sengge Rinchen's 10,000 troops were annihilated by Anglo-French firepower.
Explanation: At the Battle of Baliqiao, General Sengge Rinchen's 10,000 troops, including elite Mongol cavalry, were annihilated by the concentrated firepower of the Anglo-French forces.
Who remained in Beijing to negotiate peace after the Xianfeng Emperor fled the capital?
Answer: Prince Gong
Explanation: After the Xianfeng Emperor fled Beijing, his brother, Prince Gong, remained in the capital to conduct peace negotiations with the allied forces.
Why did Lord Elgin order the burning of the Old Summer Palace?
Answer: As a punishment exclusively on the Emperor for the mistreatment and murder of captured prisoners.
Explanation: Lord Elgin ordered the burning of the Old Summer Palace as a specific punishment directed at the Emperor for his direct responsibility in the mistreatment and murder of captured prisoners.
The Second Opium War resulted in an allied victory, leading to significant concessions from the Qing dynasty.
Answer: True
Explanation: The allied forces achieved victory in the Second Opium War, which compelled the Qing dynasty to grant substantial concessions.
As a direct result of the Second Opium War, only the Kowloon Peninsula was ceded to British Hong Kong, with no other territorial changes mentioned.
Answer: False
Explanation: In addition to the Kowloon Peninsula, Stonecutters Island was also ceded to British Hong Kong, and Outer Manchuria was ceded to Russia through related treaties.
A long-term consequence of the Second Opium War for the Qing dynasty was the forced legalization of the opium trade.
Answer: True
Explanation: The forced legalization of the opium trade was a significant long-term consequence for the Qing dynasty, which had previously resisted it.
Chinese officials viewed conflicts with Western powers after the Second Opium War as traditional wars, not a national crisis.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the Second Opium War, many Chinese officials began to perceive conflicts with Western powers as part of a looming national crisis, rather than traditional wars.
The British Second China War Medal included clasps for engagements such as Canton 1857 and Peking 1860.
Answer: True
Explanation: The British Second China War Medal included clasps for various engagements, including Canton 1857 and Peking 1860.
All Victoria Cross awards during the Second Opium War were for actions at the Battle of Baliqiao.
Answer: False
Explanation: All seven Victoria Cross awards during the Second Opium War were for gallantry shown at the Battle of Taku Forts (1860), not the Battle of Baliqiao.
The *Yongle Encyclopedia* was largely preserved during the sack of Beijing due to efforts by foreign soldiers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Most of the *Yongle Encyclopedia* was looted or destroyed by foreign soldiers during the sack of Beijing, with only 3.5 percent of its volumes surviving.
After the war, Britain, France, and Russia gained a permanent diplomatic presence in Beijing, a concession the Qing Empire had previously resisted.
Answer: True
Explanation: A key outcome of the war was that Britain, France, and Russia were granted a permanent diplomatic presence in Beijing, a significant concession that implied equality with European powers.
The Convention of Peking granted Christians in China the right to own property but not the right to evangelize.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Convention of Peking granted Christians in China full civil rights, including both the right to own property and the right to evangelize.
The 'Supplementary Treaty of Peking' forced the Qing government to cede the Maritime Provinces east of the Ussuri River to the British.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Supplementary Treaty of Peking' ceded the Maritime Provinces east of the Ussuri River to the Russians, not the British.
The Anglo-French victory was met with widespread disapproval in the British press and by other foreign powers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Anglo-French victory was heralded in the British press as a triumph for Prime Minister Lord Palmerston, and other foreign powers were also pleased, hoping to benefit from the opening of China.
The defeat of the Qing army and the burning of the Summer Palace had little long-term impact on the Qing Empire's stability.
Answer: False
Explanation: The defeat of the Qing army and the burning of the Summer Palace delivered a shocking blow that thoroughly defeated and humiliated the Qing Empire, significantly impacting its stability.
The Self-Strengthening Movement, a major modernization effort, began in China after the Second Opium War.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Self-Strengthening Movement, a significant modernization effort involving institutional reforms, indeed began in China after the Second Opium War.
William Ewart Gladstone was a strong proponent of the opium trade and supported the Opium Wars.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Ewart Gladstone was a prominent British politician fiercely opposed to both Opium Wars, calling the opium trade 'most infamous and atrocious'.
William Ewart Gladstone's opposition to opium was partly influenced by its effects on his sister.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gladstone's hostility to opium was partly influenced by the drug's detrimental effects on his sister, Helen.
What was a significant territorial change for British Hong Kong as a result of the Second Opium War?
Answer: The cession of the Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island
Explanation: As a result of the Second Opium War, the Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island were ceded to British Hong Kong.
How did many Chinese officials begin to perceive conflicts with Western powers after the Second Opium War?
Answer: As part of a looming national crisis
Explanation: After the Second Opium War, many Chinese officials began to believe that conflicts with Western powers were part of a looming national crisis, rather than traditional wars.
What happened to most of the *Yongle Encyclopedia* during the sack of Beijing?
Answer: Most of it was looted or destroyed by foreign soldiers.
Explanation: During the sack of Beijing, most of the *Yongle Encyclopedia*, a monumental Ming Dynasty work, was looted or destroyed by foreign soldiers.
What new diplomatic privilege did Britain, France, and Russia gain in Beijing after the war?
Answer: A permanent diplomatic presence in Beijing.
Explanation: After the war, Britain, France, and Russia were granted a permanent diplomatic presence in Beijing, a significant concession that the Qing Empire had previously resisted.
What additional territorial concession did China make to Britain in the Convention of Peking?
Answer: The No.1 District of Kowloon, south of present-day Boundary Street.
Explanation: The Convention of Peking ceded the No.1 District of Kowloon, south of present-day Boundary Street, to the British as part of Hong Kong.
What new rights were granted to Christians in China as a result of the Convention of Peking?
Answer: Full civil rights, including the right to own property and evangelize.
Explanation: As a result of the Convention of Peking, Christians in China were granted full civil rights, encompassing the right to own property and the right to evangelize.
Who was a prominent British politician fiercely opposed to both Opium Wars?
Answer: William Ewart Gladstone
Explanation: William Ewart Gladstone, who later became British Prime Minister, was a prominent British politician fiercely opposed to both Opium Wars.
What was William Ewart Gladstone's personal motivation for his opposition to opium?
Answer: His hostility stemmed partly from the drug's effects on his sister, Helen.
Explanation: William Ewart Gladstone's opposition to opium was partly influenced by the drug's detrimental effects on his sister, Helen.