Hi, this is a historical question which deals with a very poorly known military aspect. I think many of you know that during the Opium Wars, Indian soldiers encountered Chinese forces while invading Peking (Beijing). The end of the Second Opium War resulted in tragic Chinese defeat and successful Indian invasion. Since then, in every operation held in China, Indian military contingent had been earning the reputation of overwhelming victory. The Boxer period also displayed Indian victory in China. Vintage images show that Indian soldiers were carrying firearms throughout the successful invasions, sometimes they rode horses to attack remote Chinese villages and patrolling in the seized city.
Now these are the facts we all know. What I don't know and perhaps many of you too, is the reason for China's recurrent defeat in both Opium Wars till the Boxers. Why the Chinese could not defend themselves against us is the question that does not have sufficient answers. Some believe that the Chinese did not have firearms which resulted in their fatal defeat, some say Chinese forces were primitive in both skill and weapon system, some even say Chinese forces were not forces at all in the true sense of the term, some then blame the then political system of China for China's defeat and the start of China's Century of Humiliation and finally some blame the superstitious backwardness of overall Chinese society. There are several explanations but the military explanation seems to be more acceptable to me. I have never come across any image where a royal Qing soldier is seen carrying a firearm like rifle. But I just wonder how could the Chinese soldiers were left without firearms despite the fact that Chinese themselves had invented gun powder. And also the military strategy, in my opinion, of China was weaker at that time. For example, the lack of potential naval power with long range projection restricted the Chinese defense within the shores which made them unable to resist Indian ships carrying soldiers up to the point of beach landing. The old photos are good testimonial to this fact.
So, I request the Chinese posters or anyone well versed with the period's history to share his own views on the defeat of Chinese forces and also reasons behind Indian victory. It would also be interesting if anyone tells us whether the Chinese had firearms and if not, why not. Thanks.
Now these are the facts we all know. What I don't know and perhaps many of you too, is the reason for China's recurrent defeat in both Opium Wars till the Boxers. Why the Chinese could not defend themselves against us is the question that does not have sufficient answers. Some believe that the Chinese did not have firearms which resulted in their fatal defeat, some say Chinese forces were primitive in both skill and weapon system, some even say Chinese forces were not forces at all in the true sense of the term, some then blame the then political system of China for China's defeat and the start of China's Century of Humiliation and finally some blame the superstitious backwardness of overall Chinese society. There are several explanations but the military explanation seems to be more acceptable to me. I have never come across any image where a royal Qing soldier is seen carrying a firearm like rifle. But I just wonder how could the Chinese soldiers were left without firearms despite the fact that Chinese themselves had invented gun powder. And also the military strategy, in my opinion, of China was weaker at that time. For example, the lack of potential naval power with long range projection restricted the Chinese defense within the shores which made them unable to resist Indian ships carrying soldiers up to the point of beach landing. The old photos are good testimonial to this fact.
So, I request the Chinese posters or anyone well versed with the period's history to share his own views on the defeat of Chinese forces and also reasons behind Indian victory. It would also be interesting if anyone tells us whether the Chinese had firearms and if not, why not. Thanks.
