May 27, 1841 · Pearl River Delta Theater
May 27, 1841
British forces under Hugh Gough stormed the heights overlooking Canton and compelled the Qing governor to pay a $6 million ransom to spare the city. Though technically a British victory, the ensuing Convention of Chuenpi satisfied neither side and fighting resumed within months. Local Cantonese organized anti-British militia that continued resistance for years.
Commanders