1860 in China

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1860 in China

In 1860 the Qing dynasty faced two big challenges: the Second Opium War with Britain and France, and the ongoing Taiping Rebellion. In October, foreign troops captured Beijing and burned the Old Summer Palace. The war ended soon after with treaties that opened more ports to foreign trade and allowed foreign officials to operate in Beijing, signaling growing outside influence in China.

At the same time, the Taiping Rebellion continued in the south and central areas. Qing forces won some battles and began to push rebels back, but the rebellion did not end in 1860.

The year showed China under pressure from foreign powers and still dealing with internal revolt, helping push the government toward later reforms to strengthen the military and economy.