What were the major battles of the First Opium War?

The First Opium War, which took place from 1839 to 1842, was a conflict between the Qing Dynasty of China and the British Empire. The war was primarily fought over the issue of the opium trade, with the British seeking to protect their lucrative opium trade in China and the Chinese government attempting to suppress it. Several major battles occurred during the course of the war, each playing a significant role in shaping its outcome.

1. Battle of Chuenpi (November 3-7, 1839): This was the first major battle of the war, taking place near the Chuenpi Peninsula in the Pearl River Delta. British forces, led by Captain Charles Elliot, attacked and captured several Chinese forts, establishing a foothold in the region.

2. Battle of Ty-ho Bay (November 20-23, 1839): Following the Battle of Chuenpi, the British fleet, commanded by Admiral Sir William Parker, engaged the Chinese navy in Ty-ho Bay. The British successfully defeated the Chinese fleet, securing control over the Pearl River Delta and opening up access to Canton (now Guangzhou).

3. Battle of the Bogue (February 23-26, 1841): This battle occurred near the Bogue forts, which guarded the entrance to the Pearl River. British forces, under the command of Captain Charles Elliot and Captain Henry Smith, launched a successful assault on the forts, further weakening Chinese defenses in the region.

4. Battle of Ningbo (March 10-13, 1842): After the British captured Shanghai, they set their sights on Ningbo, an important port city. British forces, led by Captain George Elliot, launched an attack on the city and successfully captured it, further weakening Chinese resistance.

5. Battle of Amoy (August 26-29, 1841): This battle took place near the city of Amoy (now Xiamen) in Fujian Province. British forces, commanded by Captain Charles Elliot, launched an assault on the city and successfully captured it, securing another important port for British trade.

6. Battle of Chinhai (October 10-21, 1841): This battle occurred near the city of Chinhai (now Ningbo) in Zhejiang Province. British forces, led by Captain Charles Elliot, launched an attack on the city and successfully captured it, further weakening Chinese resistance in the region.

7. Battle of Chapu (May 18-19, 1842): This battle took place near the city of Chapu (now Zhapu) in Zhejiang Province. British forces, under the command of Captain Henry Smith, launched an assault on the city and successfully captured it, securing another victory for the British.

These major battles, along with several other smaller engagements, ultimately led to the defeat of the Chinese forces and the signing of the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, which marked the end of the First Opium War. The treaty resulted in significant territorial and economic concessions by China to the British Empire, and it set the stage for further conflicts and the eventual decline of the Qing Dynasty.