During the Opium War, the Qing Emperor Daoguang showed a hesitant character in the face of British aggression, and finally chose to sue for peace rather than resolutely resist. This decision not only led to the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing, but also revealed the corruption and weakness within the Qing Dynasty.
Daoguang showed a tough attitude in the early days of the war, even declaring war on the British. However, repeated defeats undermined his confidence, and he gradually gave up the idea of continuing to resist. Britain's strong military strength and the change of leadership exacerbated Daoguang's confusion and fear.
The emptiness of the Qing treasury was also one of the important reasons for Daoguang's peace. The continued cost of the war left the treasury empty, unable to support long-term resistance. The internal peacemaker forces even influenced Daoguang's decision-making, further weakening his fighting spirit.
Daoguang's indecision and successive defeats in the army eventually made him lose confidence in confronting the British. Although he had believed that the Army could win, the frustration of reality made him give up the idea completely. In the end, Daoguang chose to make peace, ending this time-consuming and labor-intensive war.
The betrayal and defeat of Daoguang's peace opium war not only allowed China to sign an unequal treaty, but also exposed the corruption and weakness within the Qing Dynasty. This historical story reminds us that courage and determination are essential in the face of a foreign invasion, and that corruption and vacillation can only lead to greater losses.