Hindsight: And Aftermath

Abstract

Part 1: Britain: Britain’s satisfaction with the outcome of the campaign, and rewards to its leaders. (Elgin became viceroy of India.) In Paris, outrage at the burning of the Summer Palace and denial of major rewards to Montauban and others.

Part 2: China. A brief discussion of the consequences of the war for China in a period of dynastic and political decline. Reflections on Dowager Empress Cixi and the (only partly successful) attempts to revive the Chinese economy and production, until overhauled by Chinese moves towards revolution at the end of the century.