What were the main causes and consequences of the French involvement in the Second Opium War?

The Second Opium War, which lasted from 1856 to 1860, was a conflict between China and several Western powers, including France. The main causes of the French involvement in the war were related to trade and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

One of the main causes of the war was the issue of trade imbalance between China and Western countries. Western powers, including France, wanted China to open its ports to foreign trade and also wanted to secure more favorable trade conditions. Another cause was related to the mistreatment of French Catholic missionaries in China. French officials demanded that China provide more protection to the missionaries, and when China refused, France used this as a pretext to launch military action.

The consequences of the French involvement in the Second Opium War were significant. China was forced to sign the Treaty of Tientsin, which granted more trading rights to foreign countries, including France. In addition, France gained control of the province of Guangdong and the city of Canton. The war also resulted in significant damage to Chinese infrastructure and caused many casualties.