Capture of the Dagu Forts

On 21 August 1860, Franco-British forces launched a coordinated assault against the Dagu forts defending river access to Tianjin and Beijing. These fortifications had repulsed an assault attempt in 1859. This time, better prepared, the Allies attacked simultaneously from sea and land. After violent fighting, the forts fell within hours. This victory opened the way to the invasion of northern China.

The battle formed part of the Second Opium War, triggered by the Chinese refusal to apply the clauses of the Tianjin Treaties (1858). The Allies sought to force the opening of China to Western commerce, particularly the opium trade. The failure of 1859 demonstrated the power of Chinese coastal defenses. In 1860 a new expedition was launched with clearly superior military and logistical preparation.

Franco-British forces landed south of the forts with siege equipment and field artillery. While the fleet bombarded coastal positions, infantry attacked the bastions at the bayonet. French artillery destroyed several Qing batteries. Coordination between marines and infantry allowed a rapid breach of the Chinese lines. Defenders withdrew or were captured.

The fall of the Dagu forts allowed Franco-British forces to advance toward Tianjin and then Beijing. This episode marked a decisive turning point in the war and announced the temporary occupation of the imperial capital. The demonstration of Western power humiliated the Qing dynasty and reinforced international pressure for the commercial opening of China. It led to the signing of the Convention of Beijing (1860).