Yishan (official): Difference between revisions

 

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===First Opium War (1839-1842)===

===First Opium War (1839-1842)===

{{See also|First Opium War}}

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[[file:British ships in Canton.jpg|350px|thumb|right|British ships in [[Pearl River]] approaching [[Guangzhou]], moments before the beginning of the [[Battle of Canton (May 1841)|Battle of Canton]]]]

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After his appointments, the Daoguang Emperor issued a [[mandate]] to Yishan: “annihilate the British forces and “wash away the national shame.” The [[Imperial Clan Court|Qing Imperial Court]] then issued Yishan an army of Manchu Bannermen and [[Green Standard Army]] troops, totalling up to 17,000 soldiers from multiple provinces to battle the [[Royal Navy]] of the [[British Empire]]. In April 1841, Yishan arrived in Guangdong. At this point, Guangdong had been without an Imperial Commissioner present for two months since Qishan’s dismissal, and their [[Commander|main military commandant]], [[Guan Tianpei]], had been dead since the end of February, leaving only [[Yang Fang (general)|Yang Fang]] and [[Yilibu]] as commanders present in Guangdong. Because of this lack of leadership, portions of [[Guangzhou]] and [[Macau]] had already fallen to the British. However, upon arrival, unlike the profound hope that [[Cantonese people|people in Guangdong]] had anticipated in a new Imperial Commissioner, Yishan exhibited arrogant and ignorant behaviours, criticising the exceptional amount of [[fortification|defensive fortifications]] around Guangzhou while dismissing generals and civilians stating the fortifications were necessary, despite them observing British naval power firsthand. In one instance, Yishan openly criticised Fang, citing his cautious assessment as “wild talk to frighten people” and accused them of “a cowardly desire for peace.” Yishan believed the British successes so far had been due to Qing mismanagement and “luck”. To prepare for battle, Yishan travelled to [[Humen Town|Humen]] (called ”The Bogue” in Britain) and reinforced defences there, despite it already being captured twice. He then hired [[militia|local militias]] for night raids and fireboat attacks on the [[Pearl River]]. Yishan had a habit of relying on mystical tactics, frequently seeking divine assistance through [[Sacrifice|sacrifices]] at [[Temple|temples]]. He also weirdly held a superstitious belief that flooding [[rice]] fields around Guangdong would stop British naval advance. Yishan also recruited inexperienced fresh recruits from [[Fujian]] to serve in his army instead of seasoned soldiers. He also spent his time [[Party|partying]] with the officers.

After his appointments, the Daoguang Emperor issued a [[mandate]] to Yishan: “annihilate the British forces and “wash away the national shame.” The [[Imperial Clan Court|Qing Imperial Court]] then issued Yishan an army of Manchu Bannermen and [[Green Standard Army]] troops, totalling up to 17,000 soldiers from multiple provinces to battle the [[Royal Navy]] of the [[British Empire]]. In April 1841, Yishan arrived in Guangdong. At this point, Guangdong had been without an Imperial Commissioner present for two months since Qishan’s dismissal, and their [[Commander|main military commandant]], [[Guan Tianpei]], had been dead since the end of February, leaving only [[Yang Fang (general)|Yang Fang]] and [[Yilibu]] as commanders present in Guangdong. Because of this lack of leadership, portions of [[Guangzhou]] and [[Macau]] had already fallen to the British. However, upon arrival, unlike the profound hope that [[Cantonese people|people in Guangdong]] had anticipated in a new Imperial Commissioner, Yishan exhibited arrogant and ignorant behaviours, criticising the exceptional amount of [[fortification|defensive fortifications]] around Guangzhou while dismissing generals and civilians stating the fortifications were necessary, despite them observing British naval power firsthand. In one instance, Yishan openly criticised Fang, citing his cautious assessment as “wild talk to frighten people” and accused them of “a cowardly desire for peace.” Yishan believed the British successes so far had been due to Qing mismanagement and “luck”. To prepare for battle, Yishan travelled to [[Humen Town|Humen]] (called ”The Bogue” in Britain) and reinforced defences there, despite it already being captured twice. He then hired [[militia|local militias]] for night raids and fireboat attacks on the [[Pearl River]]. Yishan had a habit of relying on mystical tactics, frequently seeking divine assistance through [[Sacrifice|sacrifices]] at [[Temple|temples]]. He also weirdly held a superstitious belief that flooding [[rice]] fields around Guangdong would stop British naval advance. Yishan also recruited inexperienced fresh recruits from [[Fujian]] to serve in his army instead of seasoned soldiers. He also spent his time [[Party|partying]] with the officers.

[[file:British ships in Canton.jpg|350px|thumb|right|British ships in [[Pearl River]] approaching [[Guangzhou]], moments before the beginning of the [[Battle of Canton (May 1841)|Battle of Canton]]]]

[[: .jpg||thumb||British [[]] [[Guangzhou]]]]

On May 21, 1841, the British, who were already aware of Yishan’s preparations, launched an attack on The Bogue. The fortifications were destroyed in days, and the [[Battle of Canton (May 1841)|British navy continued north to continue their assault on Guangzhou]]. Despite Yishan rerouting [[Infantry|land forces]] to Guangzhou, the British had captured hills north of Guangzhou by May 24 and positioned [[cannon|cannons]] towards the city. Despite being sent to annihilate the British, Yishan panicked and raised a [[white flag]] to signify [[surrender]]. He then sent a local merchant, [[Howqua]], to negotiate with them. On May 27, Yishan presented the Convention of Canton to the British, a local [[ceasefire]] agreement where Yishan would pay $6 million [[Mexican peso|Mexican pesos]] to the British to spare Guangzhou from [[Bombardment|bombardment]] and looting. The Convention also required the British to withdraw 100 kilometers from Guangzhou, and to withdraw forces from The Bogue once payment was received. This was euphemistically called a “compensatory payment for commercial losses.”

On May 21, 1841, the British, who were already aware of Yishan’s preparations, launched an attack on The Bogue. The fortifications were destroyed in days, and the [[Battle of Canton (May 1841)|British navy continued north to continue their assault on Guangzhou]]. Despite Yishan rerouting [[Infantry|land forces]] to Guangzhou, the British had captured hills north of Guangzhou by May 24 and positioned [[cannon|cannons]] towards the city. Despite being sent to annihilate the British, Yishan panicked and raised a [[white flag]] to signify [[surrender]]. He then sent a local merchant, [[Howqua]], to negotiate with them. On May 27, Yishan presented the Convention of Canton to the British, a local [[ceasefire]] agreement where Yishan would pay $6 million [[Mexican peso|Mexican pesos]] to the British to spare Guangzhou from [[Bombardment|bombardment]] and looting. The Convention also required the British to withdraw 100 kilometers from Guangzhou, and to withdraw forces from The Bogue once payment was received. This was euphemistically called a “compensatory payment for commercial losses.”

Official of Qing China (1790–1878)

Yishan
In office 1845–1854
Preceded by	Saying’a
Succeeded by	Zhalafentai
In office 1838–1840
Preceded by	Teyishunbao
Succeeded by	Guanfu
In office 1855–1860
Preceded by	Yige
Succeeded by	Tepuqin
Born	(1790-06-13)13 June 1790
Died	30 June 1878(1878-06-30) (aged 88)
Children	Zaizhuo

Yishan (Manchu: I Šan; 13 June 1790 – 30 June 1878), courtesy name Jingxuan, was a Manchu lesser noble and official of the Qing dynasty. He is best known for his failure to defend Guangzhou (Canton) from British forces during the First Opium War, and for signing the treaties of Kulja and Aigun with the Russian Empire in 1851 and 1858 respectively.

Yishan was born in Mukden, Qing Dynasty, on 13 June, 1790. In 1821, Yishan was appointed Third-class Imperial Guard in the Forbidden City. In 1838, he was appointed General of Ili. Yishan replaced Qishan as the Imperial Commissioner of the Qing Dynasty in 1841, during the First Opium War, following Qishan’s arrest. After surrendering to the British Empire in 1842, Yishan was arrested and detained by the Imperial Clan Court, but was later released. In late 1842, Yishan was promoted to Second-class Imperial Guard. He signed numerous treaties with the Russian Empire during the 1850s, and he died on 30 June, 1878 after taking part in the Second Opium War from 1857 to 1860.

Yishan was born in Mukden (modern-day Shenyang), in the Aisin Gioro clan, the imperial clan of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty, towards the end of the reign of the Qianlong Emperor, on 13 June, 1790. He was a great-great-grandson of Yunti, the Kangxi Emperor‘s 14th son and the first in line in the Prince Xun peerage. His great-grandfather, Hongchun (弘春; 1703–1739), once held the title of a junwang (second-rank prince) as “Prince Tai of the Second Rank” (多羅泰郡王). His family was under the Bordered Blue Banner of the Eight Banners.

In 1821, after the Daoguang Emperor came to the throne, Yishan, then a fourth-grade noble was recruited to serve as a third-class imperial guard (三等侍衛) in the Forbidden City. He helped them train recurits Between 1821 and 1838, he held the following appointments, among others: lingdui dachen (領隊大臣) of Da’erbahatai (塔爾巴哈台; an administrative region in present-day Xinjiang); deputy dutong (都統; commander) of the Bordered Blue Banner Han Forces; canzan dachen (參贊大臣) of Ili (伊犁; an area within Xinjiang). In 1838, he was appointed as General of Ili to govern and maintain security in the area known as Dzungaria. He was recalled back to the capital, Beijing, two years later.

In 1839, when the First Opium War began, Yishan was appointed by the Daoguang Emperor, the Qing emperor at the time, as a general of the Qing Imperial Army. From 1839 to 1840, he trained military recruits in Zhili, before being called back to Beijing in late 1840. On February 27, 1841, Yishan was appointed as Imperial Commissioner to replace Qishan, who had been dismissed from the position and arrested for signing the Convention of Chuenpi in January 1841 without the Daoguang Emperor’s permission. Yishan was also appointed as the Viceroy of Liangguang, permitting governance over Guangxi and Guangdong provinces.

After his appointments, the Daoguang Emperor issued a mandate to Yishan: “annihilate the British forces and “wash away the national shame.” The Qing Imperial Court then issued Yishan an army of Manchu Bannermen and Green Standard Army troops, totalling up to 17,000 soldiers from multiple provinces to battle the Royal Navy of the British Empire. In April 1841, Yishan arrived in Guangdong. At this point, Guangdong had been without an Imperial Commissioner present for two months since Qishan’s dismissal, and their main military commandant, Guan Tianpei, had been dead since the end of February, leaving only Yang Fang and Yilibu as commanders present in Guangdong. Because of this lack of leadership, portions of Guangzhou and Macau had already fallen to the British. However, upon arrival, unlike the profound hope that people in Guangdong had anticipated in a new Imperial Commissioner, Yishan exhibited arrogant and ignorant behaviours, criticising the exceptional amount of defensive fortifications around Guangzhou while dismissing generals and civilians stating the fortifications were necessary, despite them observing British naval power firsthand. In one instance, Yishan openly criticised Fang, citing his cautious assessment as “wild talk to frighten people” and accused them of “a cowardly desire for peace.” Yishan believed the British successes so far had been due to Qing mismanagement and “luck”. To prepare for battle, Yishan travelled to Humen (called The Bogue in Britain) and reinforced defences there, despite it already being captured twice. He then hired local militias for night raids and fireboat attacks on the Pearl River. Yishan had a habit of relying on mystical tactics, frequently seeking divine assistance through sacrifices at temples. He also weirdly held a superstitious belief that flooding rice fields around Guangdong would stop British naval advance. Yishan also recruited inexperienced fresh recruits from Fujian to serve in his army instead of seasoned soldiers. He also spent his time partying with the officers.

On May 21, 1841, the British, who were already aware of Yishan’s preparations, launched an attack on The Bogue. The fortifications were destroyed in days, and the British navy continued north to continue their assault on Guangzhou. Despite Yishan rerouting land forces to Guangzhou, the British had captured hills north of Guangzhou by May 24 and positioned cannons towards the city. Despite being sent to annihilate the British, Yishan panicked and raised a white flag to signify surrender. He then sent a local merchant, Howqua, to negotiate with them. On May 27, Yishan presented the Convention of Canton to the British, a local ceasefire agreement where Yishan would pay $6 million Mexican pesos to the British to spare Guangzhou from bombardment and looting. The Convention also required the British to withdraw 100 kilometers from Guangzhou, and to withdraw forces from The Bogue once payment was received. This was euphemistically called a “compensatory payment for commercial losses.”

Knowing the Daoguang Emperor expected victory, Yishan filed a series of false victory memorials to the Qing Parliament. These memorials claimed that Yishan’s army had killed thousands of British troops, including a fabricated “chief commander”, the British were begging for mercy, the $6 million peso payment was from the British to the Qing, and that the British “kowtowed in submission and swore never to return to Guangdong.” In response, the Daoguang Emperor was delighted, bestowing honours to Yishan. However, the Daoguang Emperor discovered the truth when the Treaty of the Bogue, which had been signed by Yilibu, arrived in Beijing. Enraged by Yishan’s lies, the Daoguang Emperor stripped Yishan of all his titles, and he was arrested, brought to Beijing, and sentenced to death by beheading for “deceiving the emperor and losing the nation’s morale.” However, his death sentence was alleviated to imprisonment, and he was pardoned and released in 1842 when the First Opium War ended due to the signing of the Treaty of Nanking. Afterwards, he was promoted to second class imperial guard (二等侍衛) and acting banshi dachen (辦事大臣) of Khotan (an area within Xinjiang).^[1]

In 1845, he was appointed to serve as General of Ili for a second term. In 1847, he was awarded the rank of a first class zhenguo jiangjun, the fourth-lowest tier in the Qing dynasty’s hierarchy of noble ranks.

In mid-1851, Ivan Zakharov started negotiations with Yishan and Buyantai (布彥泰) at Ili to open up Kulja and Chuguchak to Sino–Russian trade. The Russians wanted the new treaty to be based on the earlier Treaty of Kyakhta (1727). Yishan agreed to almost all the Russian terms, except for trade in Kashgar. On 6 August 1851, the Russian and Qing Empires signed the Treaty of Kulja. In 1855, Yishan was reassigned to serve as General of Heilongjiang (黑龍江將軍) to oversee Heilongjiang Province.

During the Second Opium War (1857–1860), Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky approached Yishan and offered to provide Russian assistance to the Qing Empire against the British and French, in return for redefining the Sino–Russian border along the Amur and Ussuri rivers. The Russians also put up a display of their military power by firing artillery shells along the Amur River. Yishan was terrified but did not want to retaliate for fear of starting another war. In May 1858, the Russians and Yishan signed the Treaty of Aigun, which transferred the lands between the Stanovoy Range and Amur River to the Russian Empire. The Xianfeng Emperor was enraged by the territorial losses to the Russians, so he dismissed Yishan from his office as General of Heilongjiang, despite the latter’s attempts to explain himself. In 1860, the Russians intervened in the Convention of Beijing (which ended the Second Opium War), and forced the Qing Empire to recognize the Russian gains under the Treaty of Aigun and further cede its territories east of the Ussuri River, including Sakhalin, to them. This became known as the Amur Annexation. Meanwhile, Yishan returned to Beijing to await further orders but was soon back into service.

Yishan died of illness in Beijing on 30 June, 1878, aged 88. He had at least two sons, including his second son Zaizhuo (載鷟).