Renewed Hostilities

In late 1857, Britain and France began their military operations. The war didn't last long and in 1858, the Chinese were forced to sign the Treaties of Tianjin.

In 1856, after Chinese officials boarded the Arrow and lowered the British flag, the British renewed their hostilities in an effort to extend trading rights. France joins them in their efforts.

The Treaties of Tianjin called for, residence in Beijing for foreign diplomats, the opening of many new ports, the right of foreign travel inside China, and freedom of movement for Christian missionaries.
Later negotiations legalized the importation of opium.

When the Chinese refused to ratify these treaties, France and Britain captured Beijing and burned the Yuanming garden (one of the emperors palaces) in 1860. Later that year, the Chinese signed the Beiging Convention and agreed to observe the treaties.