Send me a message

The storming of the Taku Forts took place during the Second Opium War between Britain & France on one side and China on the other in 1860.

The battle led to the British (and their French allies) occupying Beijing and forcing the Chinese to sign a peace treaty, which still impacts China’s view of the west to this day.

As I was researching this story, I realised just how many fascinating sub stories there are and after a poll with my subscribers I have decided to break it into two parts.

So in this part 1 episode, I want to share with you why the war even happened, an audacious plot to poison all the British in Hong Kong, and a humiliating British military defeat - also at the Taku Forts.

Join my weekly newsletter

Support the show