 British military was vastly superior during the conflict.British warships, constructed using such innovations as steam power combined with sail and the use of iron in shipbuilding, wreaked havoc on coastal towns; such ships (like the "Nemesis") were not only virtually indestructible using contemporary available weapons, but also highly mobile and able to support a gun platform with very heavy guns.In addition, the British troops were armed with modern rifled muskets and cannons, unlike the Qing forces.