China. The siege of the British community of Guangzhou is considered an affront by British public opinion. Minister Palmerston demands the permanent cession of one or more islands along the Chinese coast to be used as collection and storage centers for British goods. When China refuses, the British respond with a naval blockade of China’s main ports. It is the Opium War. With the British in control of the ports and ready to launch a land attack on the ancient capital Nanjing, the Chinese surrender. Hong Kong will be ceded, and special licenses will be established for the ports of Nanjing, Shanghai, Xiamen, and Fuzhou.
