Kofi Karikari vs Tongzhi Emperor

Kofi Karikari led the Ashanti in the Sagrenti War against the British. The war began with an Ashanti invasion of the British Gold Coast protectorate but ended with the British capture and burning of Kumasi in 1874.

British forces under Sir Garnet Wolseley captured and burned the Ashanti capital Kumasi. The destruction of the city, including the royal palace, was a major blow to the Ashanti Empire and forced Kofi Karikari to sign a peace treaty.

Kofi Karikari signed the Treaty of Fomena with the British, ending the Sagrenti War. The treaty required Ashanti to pay an indemnity, renounce claims to certain territories, and allow British trade. It weakened Ashanti sovereignty.

Following the defeat in the Sagrenti War, the Ashanti council of chiefs deposed Kofi Karikari for incompetence and failure to protect the empire. He was forced to abdicate, and his brother Mensa Bonsu succeeded him.

Tongzhi became Emperor of China at age 5 after the death of his father, Xianfeng. A regency was established under Empress Dowagers Cixi and Ci'an.

A period of conservative reform began, aiming to modernize China's military and economy while preserving Confucian values. The Self-Strengthening Movement was initiated, but progress was limited.

Qing forces, led by generals like Zeng Guofan, captured Nanjing and crushed the Taiping Rebellion. The victory restored Qing control but left the empire devastated.

Tongzhi died at age 18 from smallpox. His death without an heir led to a succession crisis, with his cousin Guangxu being chosen as the next emperor.