This Time, We Were Beaten Again: a Panoramic Interpretation of the Second Opium War Between China and Britain

This book is a panoramic interpretation of the Second Opium War, showing the world's strength pattern under a wide-angle lens in the mid-19th century. It describes in detail the comparison of the comprehensive strength of China and Britain, pre-war preparations, war processes, post-war results and impacts, etc., Giving readers a comprehensive and multi-level understanding of the Second Opium War. Through this panoramic interpretation, the author shows the situation when Western countries were accelerating towards modern civilization, while China was stumbling in autocracy and ignorance. Through this comparison, the author clarified the fundamental reason why the Qing Dynasty suffered a complete defeat and was repeatedly beaten during the Opium War: It did not depend on the ability of an emperor, the loyalty of several ministers, or the support of the people. The rotten autocratic system was the main reason for China's backwardness and beatings in modern times.