The Convention of Beijing opens China to Western trade and missionary activity

With their capital in British and French hand, the Chinese government was forced finally so sign the previously negotiated 1858 Treaty of Tianjin, along with added clauses, at the Convention of Beijing. The agreement essentially opened up China to Western trade and missionary activity, and set up ten "treaty ports" along the coast.  In return Allied troops immediately withdrew from the Chinese interior.  (By John Osborne)