Harry Parkes and the 'Arrow' War in China

In: Modern Asian studies, Band 9, Heft 3, S. 303-320

Abstract

In my article entitled 'TheArrowIncident: A Reappraisal',1I recently analysed the existing documentary evidence relating to theArrowincident. But an investigation of this incident in itself does not reveal the process which transformed a small dispute into a war between Great Britain and China. In this article I shall attempt to study this crucial transformation. Such a study would amount to an examination of the role of Harry Parkes in British diplomacy in Canton immediately after the incident. Before embarking on this project, however, it might be useful to give a brief introduction to Parkes and his background.