LEGACY
The Emperor held Lin responsible for the war in 1840. He felt Lin's campaign and stand that drove the British Government to attack made a mockery of China's superiority. Lin felt that he was not supported enough when standing up for his country. People in Canton blamed their Government's poor leadership. Lin became China's scapegoat. He was exiled to Xinjiang in August 21, 1840 and removed of his title of commissioner.
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“You have lied to us, disguising in your dispatches the true color of affairs. Instead of helping us, you have only caused confusion to arise. Now, one thousand unending problems are sprouting. You have behaved as if your arms are tied. You are no better than a wooden dummy. As we think about your grievous failings, we become furious, and then melancholy.” ---Daoguang Emperor, to Lin Zexu |
While on the to Guangxi, Lin died, in 1850
Lin Zexu became known as a failure to all of China, for not ending the Opium war and making it worse. Later in the twentieth century he began to be known as a hero for his actions. June 3rd is now known as Anti-Smoking Day for when he confiscated the most chests of opium. In 1842, on August 29th the war ended, and China signed the Treaty of Nanjing. China agreed to resume the trade between the two nations. The British Monarchy also made China pay 20 million for all the lost opium in silver. |
Lin Zexu's statue in New York City, China Town