What was the Battle of Palikao and when did it occur?

The Battle of Palikao was a significant engagement fought on September 21, 1860, during the Second Opium War. It took place at the bridge of Baliqiao, a location that gave the battle its name. This victory allowed the combined Anglo-French forces to advance on and ultimately capture the Qing capital, Beijing, leading to the defeat of the Qing Empire.

What was the broader conflict to which the Battle of Palikao belonged?

The Battle of Palikao was a part of the Second Opium War, a conflict fought between the Qing dynasty of China and allied Western powers.

What was the strategic significance of the Battle of Palikao?

The Battle of Palikao was crucial because it opened the path for the Anglo-French forces to reach and capture Beijing, the capital of the Qing Empire, which ultimately led to the Qing's defeat in the Second Opium War.

What were the primary belligerents involved in the Battle of Palikao?

The primary belligerents were the United Kingdom and France, fighting as an allied force, against the Qing dynasty of China.

Who were the principal commanders leading the Anglo-French forces at the Battle of Palikao?

The British commander was Lieutenant General Sir Hope Grant, and the French forces were led by Charles Cousin-Montauban.

Who was the main Qing commander opposing the Anglo-French forces at Palikao?

The Qing forces were commanded by Sengge Rinchen, who led troops including elite Mongolian cavalry.

What was the date of the Battle of Palikao?

The battle took place on September 21, 1860.

Where was the Battle of Palikao fought?

The battle was fought at the bridge of Baliqiao, located in China.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Palikao?

The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Anglo-French forces.

What were the estimated troop strengths for each side at the Battle of Palikao?

The Anglo-French forces numbered approximately 10,000 soldiers, while the Qing forces were estimated to be around 50,000 strong.

How many casualties did the British forces sustain during the Battle of Palikao?

The British forces suffered 2 killed and 29 wounded.

How many casualties did the French forces sustain during the Battle of Palikao?

The French forces suffered 3 killed and 18 wounded.

What were the total reported casualties for the Qing forces at the Battle of Palikao?

The Qing forces sustained approximately 1,200 casualties.

What was the context leading up to the Battle of Palikao regarding the Anglo-French efforts to reach Beijing?

For two years prior to the battle, the Anglo-French forces had been trying to reach Beijing. An earlier attempt in 1858, after capturing the Taku Forts, resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Tianjin, which halted their advance. A subsequent attempt in 1859 to recapture the forts after they were returned to the Qing army failed due to river barriers, leading to a significant defeat for the Anglo-French.

What happened at the Taku Forts in the lead-up to the Battle of Palikao in 1860?

After sailing from Hong Kong in July 1860, the Anglo-French forces successfully captured the Taku Forts on August 21, 1860. This victory reopened the river route to Beijing and led to the capitulation of 22 forts along the river, including the town of Tianjin.

What was the primary objective of the Anglo-French expedition during the Second Opium War, culminating in the Battle of Palikao?

The main goal of the expedition was to compel the Chinese government in Beijing to adhere to the trade treaties signed in Tianjin in 1858. A key aspect of these treaties was the British desire to continue the opium trade in China.

How did the Anglo-French forces advance from the Taku Forts towards Beijing after their capture?

The combined Anglo-French force marched in a measured manner from the Taku Forts. The French troops moved on one side of the river, while the British troops moved on the other.

When did the Anglo-French forces reach Tianjin, and what occurred there?

The Anglo-French forces reached Tianjin on September 1, 1860. Upon arrival, negotiations were opened with representatives from Beijing.

What incident caused the immediate cessation of negotiations between the Anglo-French and Qing representatives?

Negotiations were immediately halted when the Qing forces captured the negotiators, led by Grant, who were operating under a flag of truce.

Describe the engagement that occurred near Chang-Kia-Wan.

As the allied army advanced from Tianjin, they encountered a large Chinese army spread across a five-mile front near Chang-Kia-Wan. A skirmish between cavalry units ensued, which was followed by the Anglo-French artillery silencing the Chinese artillery. The Chinese army then scattered and retreated.

What was the strategic situation discovered by the allied cavalry two days after the engagement at Chang-Kia-Wan?

Two days later, the cavalry found the Chinese army positioned defensively in front of a canal that connected Beijing to the Hai River. This position featured two bridges at Baliqiao.

How did the Anglo-French forces engage the Chinese army at Baliqiao?

The Anglo-French forces launched a frontal assault, while their cavalry attacked from the left flank. This maneuver forced the Chinese troops back across the two bridges spanning the canal.

What was the fate of the elite Mongolian cavalry under Sengge Rinchen during the Battle of Palikao?

Sengge Rinchen's troops, including the elite Mongolian cavalry, were completely annihilated. This occurred after they launched several unsuccessful frontal charges against the concentrated firepower of the allied forces.

What happened to the Xianfeng Emperor following the Qing army's defeat at Palikao?

After the devastating loss of his army at Palikao, the Xianfeng Emperor fled the capital city of Beijing.

Who took charge of negotiations with the Anglo-French forces after the Xianfeng Emperor left Beijing?

Prince Gong, the Emperor's brother, was left in charge of conducting negotiations with the Anglo-French forces.

When did Beijing officially surrender to the Anglo-French forces?

Beijing surrendered on October 11, 1860, after engineers had prepared to breach the city walls.

Where were the prisoners, captured during the conflict, held in Beijing?

The prisoners were held in the Ministry of Justice, also known as the Board of Punishments, within Beijing.

How many survivors were eventually returned after being held captive?

Harry Smith Parkes and 14 other survivors were returned, along with the other diplomatic prisoners.

What was the fate of the British, French, and Indian captives who were imprisoned?

Sadly, twenty British, French, and Indian captives died during their imprisonment, with their bodies reportedly being barely recognizable.

Which imperial palaces were entered and looted by the Anglo-French forces after they occupied Beijing?

The Anglo-French forces entered and sacked the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace.

Who ordered the destruction of the Summer Palaces, and when did this action commence?

Lord Elgin ordered the Summer Palaces to be burned down, and the destruction began on October 18, 1860.

Did the French forces participate in the burning of the Summer Palaces?

No, the French forces did not participate in the burning of the Summer Palaces, as their commander opposed the action.

Was the destruction of the Forbidden City considered after the occupation of Beijing?

Yes, the destruction of the Forbidden City was discussed. Lord Elgin proposed this action as a measure to discourage the Qing Empire from using kidnapping as a bargaining tactic and as retribution for the mistreatment of prisoners.

What honor was bestowed upon the French commander, Charles Cousin-Montauban, following the Battle of Palikao?

Charles Cousin-Montauban was awarded the title Count of Palikao in recognition of his role in the battle.

What significant political position did Charles Cousin-Montauban later attain in France?

A decade after the battle, Charles Cousin-Montauban was appointed as the 31st Prime Minister of France by Napoleon III.

What were the key terms that the Qing court agreed to in the Treaty of Tianjin following the war?

The Qing court agreed to all Western demands, which included paying indemnities and accepting foreign diplomats at the imperial court in Beijing.

How did the Treaty of Tianjin address the opium trade?

Although the opium trade was not explicitly discussed by either Qing or Western diplomats during the treaty negotiations, the terms effectively liberalized it, allowing it to continue.

What is the literal translation of the simplified Chinese name for the Battle of Palikao, 八里桥之战?

The simplified Chinese name, 八里桥之战 (Bālǐqiáo zhī zhàn), literally translates to 'Battle of the Eight-Mile Bridge'.

What image is depicted in the infobox related to the Battle of Palikao, and what does it represent?

The infobox includes an image captioned 'The bridge of Palikao on the evening of the battle,' illustrating the location where the engagement took place.

What was the role of the Taku Forts in the events leading to the Battle of Palikao?

The Taku Forts were strategically important fortifications defending the Hai River. Their capture by Anglo-French forces on August 21, 1860, was a critical step that reopened the river route to Beijing, paving the way for the subsequent Battle of Palikao.

How did the terrain and geography, specifically the canal and bridges at Baliqiao, influence the battle?

The canal and the two bridges at Baliqiao created a bottleneck. The Chinese army was positioned in front of this canal, and the Anglo-French forces exploited this by attacking frontally and flanking, forcing the Chinese back over the bridges where they suffered heavy losses due to being trapped.

What does the term 'belligerents' refer to in the context of the Battle of Palikao?

Belligerents refers to the nations or parties actively engaged in warfare. In the Battle of Palikao, the belligerents were the United Kingdom and France on one side, and Qing China on the other.

What does the term 'casualties' encompass in the context of the battle's reported numbers?

Casualties typically include killed, wounded, and sometimes missing or captured personnel. In this context, the reported numbers for British and French forces specify killed and wounded, while the Qing figure of 1,200 likely represents a combination of killed and wounded.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Tianjin in the context of the Second Opium War?

The Treaty of Tianjin, signed in 1858, was an attempt to conclude the first phase of the Second Opium War. It outlined terms for trade and diplomatic relations, but its full implementation and subsequent violations by the Qing government led to the continuation of the war, culminating in events like the Battle of Palikao.

How did the capture of negotiators under a flag of truce impact the diplomatic process?

The capture of negotiators, who were supposed to be protected under a flag of truce, was a severe breach of protocol. This act immediately ended any ongoing peace talks and escalated the military conflict, leading directly to the advance towards the battle at Baliqiao.

What does the phrase 'capitulated all 22 forts along the river' imply?

It implies that the Qing forces defending these forts surrendered them without significant resistance to the advancing Anglo-French army. This rapid series of surrenders facilitated the unimpeded movement of the allied forces up the Hai River towards Beijing.

What was the nature of the fighting described at Chang-Kia-Wan?

The fighting at Chang-Kia-Wan involved an initial cavalry skirmish followed by the effective use of Anglo-French artillery to silence Chinese artillery. The Chinese army subsequently dispersed, indicating a tactical victory for the allied forces without a full-scale pitched battle.

What does the term 'annihilated' suggest about the fate of Sengge Rinchen's troops?

The term 'annihilated' implies that Sengge Rinchen's forces suffered complete destruction, with virtually no survivors. This highlights the overwhelming effectiveness of the Anglo-French firepower against the Qing cavalry charges.

What was the purpose of the Anglo-French forces destroying the Summer Palaces?

The destruction of the Summer Palaces served as a punitive measure and a demonstration of force. It was intended to punish the Qing court for the mistreatment and torture of prisoners and to discourage future use of kidnapping as a bargaining tool.

What does the presence of the 'Unreliable sources' notice at the beginning of the article suggest?

The notice indicates that some of the sources cited within the article may not meet Wikipedia's standards for reliability. This suggests that while the information presented is based on the provided text, there might be a need for verification against more robust sources.

Battle Of Palikao Wiki: The Palikao Confrontation: A Strategic Analysis of the 1860 Engagement

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Overview

Strategic Significance

The Battle of Palikao, fought on 21 September 1860, was a decisive engagement during the Second Opium War. It saw Anglo-French forces clash with the Qing Dynasty's army at the bridge of Baliqiao. This engagement effectively neutralized Qing resistance in the immediate vicinity, granting the allied forces a clear path to the capital, Beijing, and ultimately leading to the Qing Empire's capitulation.

Historical Context

Following two years of conflict and previous setbacks, the Anglo-French expedition aimed to compel the Qing government to adhere to trade treaties, notably the liberalization of the opium trade. The capture of the Taku Forts earlier in August 1860 had opened the Hai River route to Beijing, setting the stage for this critical confrontation.

Outcome

The battle resulted in a decisive Franco-British victory. The Qing forces, despite numerical superiority, were routed with significant casualties, demonstrating the technological and tactical advantages of the allied armies. This victory directly precipitated the fall of Beijing and the subsequent signing of treaties that further expanded Western influence in China.

Background

Prelude to Conflict

The Anglo-French forces had been attempting to reach Beijing for two years. Initial agreements, such as the Treaty of Tianjin in 1858, were undermined by Qing actions, including the return of captured Taku Forts and a significant defeat of allied forces in 1859 when they attempted to force passage up the Hai River. This led to a renewed expedition in 1860.

Opening the Route

After sailing from Hong Kong, the capture of the Taku Forts on 21 August 1860 proved pivotal. This success opened the Hai River, allowing the allied forces to advance inland. The Qing army capitulated numerous forts along the river, including the strategically important town of Tianjin, clearing the path toward the capital.

Diplomatic Breakdown

The primary objective of the expedition was to enforce treaty obligations, particularly concerning the opium trade and the establishment of diplomatic legations in Beijing. Negotiations commenced after the capture of Tianjin, but a critical breakdown occurred when Qing forces captured the allied negotiators, including Lieutenant General Sir Hope Grant's envoy, under a flag of truce. This act immediately halted diplomatic progress.

The Battle

Engagement Details

The combined Anglo-French force advanced from Tianjin. The army moved with a cavalry screen, with French forces positioned on one side of the river and British forces on the other. Upon encountering a large Qing army with an extensive front near Chang-Kia-Wan, a skirmish ensued. Allied artillery quickly silenced the Qing artillery, leading to the scattering and retreat of the Chinese forces.

The Baliqiao Bridgehead

Two days later, on 20 September, allied cavalry located the Qing army in a fortified position before a canal connecting Beijing to the Hai River. The key defensive point was the bridge at Baliqiao. The allied army launched a frontal assault, while the cavalry executed a flanking maneuver from the left, forcing the Qing troops back across the two bridges. The allied forces then inflicted devastating losses on the Qing army, which was trapped by the canal.

Key Statistics

The engagement at Palikao involved significant disparities in strength and resulted in a stark contrast in casualties, highlighting the tactical disparity.

Aspect	Details
Date	21 September 1860
Location	Palikao (Baliqiao), China (39°54′24″N 116°36′51″E)
Result	Decisive Franco-British Victory
Belligerents	United Kingdom, France vs. Qing China
Commanders	James Hope Grant (UK), Charles Cousin-Montauban (FR) vs. Sengge Rinchen (Qing)
Strength	Anglo-French: ~10,000 ^[1] Qing: ~50,000 ^[2]
Casualties	Anglo-French: 5 killed, 47 wounded Qing: ~1,200 casualties ^[4]

Aftermath

Fall of Beijing

With the Qing army effectively neutralized at Palikao, the path to Beijing was open. The Xianfeng Emperor fled the capital, leaving Prince Gong to handle negotiations. The allied forces entered Beijing shortly thereafter. The subsequent surrender of the city on 11 October marked the culmination of the military campaign.

Prisoner Treatment and Retribution

The captured allied negotiators and soldiers endured severe mistreatment and torture in Beijing, with many succumbing to their ordeal. The survivors' return led to outrage among the allied forces. In response, Lord Elgin ordered the destruction of the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace, commencing on 18 October, as a reprisal and a deterrent against future hostage-taking by the Qing.

Treaty Reaffirmation

The military victory and occupation of Beijing compelled the Qing court to fully accept the terms of the Treaty of Tianjin. This included the payment of indemnities, the acceptance of foreign diplomats in Beijing, and the effective legalization of the opium trade. The Battle of Palikao thus cemented the unequal treaties and significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of China.

Recognition

Charles Cousin-Montauban, the French commander, was later awarded the title "Count of Palikao" and subsequently rose to become Prime Minister of France under Napoleon III, underscoring the political significance attributed to his role in this victory.

Notes

Explanatory Notes

The following notes provide context and citation details for the information presented.

^ de Saint-Amand & Martin 1912, p. 273
^ Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India. Volume 6. Calcutta: Superintendent Government Printing. 1911. p. 435.
^ London Gazette: no. 22452, pp. 4770–4771, 27 November 1860. Accessed 28 September 2010.
^ ^a ^b de Saint-Amand & Martin 1912, p. 277
^ Mourre 1968, p. 500
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Porter, Maj Gen Whitworth (1889). History of the Corps of Royal Engineers Vol I. Chatham: The Institution of Royal Engineers.
^ Grant, Sir James Hope in Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th edition
^ ^a ^b ^c "China War 1860". 1st Queens Dragoon Guards. Archived from the original on 22 September 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
^ Boulger 1893, p. 383
^ Wolseley, Garnett Joseph (1862). Narrative of the war with China in 1860; to which is added the account of a short residence with the Tai-ping rebels at Nanking and a voyage from thence to Hankow (1862). London, Longman, Green, Longman, and Roberts. p. 276. OCLC 10947915. Retrieved 1 September 2009.
^ Endacott, G. B.; Carroll, John M (2005) [1962]. A biographical sketch-book of early Hong Kong. Hong Kong University Press. ISBN 978-962-209-742-1.

References

Source Materials

The following sources were consulted in the compilation of this analysis:

Boulger, Demetrius Charles (1893). China. Kessinger Publishing. ISBN 1-4179-1627-3.
de Saint-Amand, Imbert; Martin, Elizabeth Gilbert (1912). Napoleon III at the Height of His Power. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Mourre, Michel (1968). Dictionnaire d'histoire universelle. Paris : Éditions universitaires. ISBN 2-040-27205-4

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References

Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India. Volume 6. Calcutta: Superintendent Government Printing. 1911. p. 435.

London Gazette: no. 22452, pp. 4770â4771, 27 November 1860. Accessed 28 September 2010.

Grant, Sir James Hope in EncyclopÃ¦dia Britannica, 11th edition

A full list of references for this article are available at the Battle of Palikao Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Historical interpretations can vary, and this content reflects the information presented in the source material.

This is not professional historical analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for rigorous academic research or consultation with professional historians. Always consult primary sources and scholarly works for a comprehensive understanding of historical events.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Palikao Confrontation

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Overview ℹ️

🎯 Strategic Significance

⏳ Historical Context

⚔️ Outcome

Background 📜

📈 Prelude to Conflict

🌊 Opening the Route

🤝 Diplomatic Breakdown

The Battle ⚔️

🗺️ Engagement Details

🌉 The Baliqiao Bridgehead

📊 Key Statistics

Aftermath ➡️

👑 Fall of Beijing

💔 Prisoner Treatment and Retribution

📜 Treaty Reaffirmation

🎖️ Recognition

Notes 📝

📌 Explanatory Notes

References 📚

📖 Source Materials

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Strategic Significance

Historical Context

Outcome

Background

Prelude to Conflict

Opening the Route

Diplomatic Breakdown

The Battle

Engagement Details

The Baliqiao Bridgehead

Key Statistics

Aftermath

Fall of Beijing

Prisoner Treatment and Retribution

Treaty Reaffirmation

Recognition

Notes

Explanatory Notes

References

Source Materials

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice