Episode 10 - Introduction to the Taiping Rebellion
In this episode, the background to the Taiping Rebellion is described, as well as its founders, leaders and religious inspiration. Hong Xiuquan considered himself to be the younger brother of Jesus Ch...
13 Feb 202311min
Episode 9 - Treaties and Concessions
In this episode, the Treaty of Nanjing and the other Unequal Treaties are discussed, as well as the growth of foreign concessions in China. During the Second Opium War, also known as the Anglo-French ...
11 Feb 20239min
Episode 8 - Henry Pottinger and the End of the Opium War
In this episode, Henry Pottinger takes over as British Superintendent of Trade. The British retake Zhoushan Island, which had been abandoned by Charles Elliott and advances up the Yangtze River. Negot...
6 Feb 202332min
Episode 7 - Charles Elliott's Opium War
The British capture Chinese forts and take Guangzhou. British trade returns to southern China. Rural peasants self-organize against the British invaders. Charles Elliott is replaced by British authori...
3 Feb 202330min
Episode 6 - Whales and Crocodiles
Lin Zexu's destruction of British opium causes debate in London. But the Whig government has plenty of other crises. Lord Palmerston makes demands of China and sends warships in spite of reluctance at...
3 Feb 202326min
Episode 5 - Introducing the Opium War
An introduction to the Opium War between Great Britain and the Qing Empire, including introductions of major characters. The Opium War was considered the beginning of China's Century of Humiliations. ...
27 Jan 202327min
Episode 4- The Examination System
An introductory episode about the Examination System and corruption of officials during the Qing Dynasty. The three sets of examinations required before entry into Chinese government leadership were g...
25 Jan 20234min
Episode 3- Silver during the Qing Dynasty
In this introductory episode, the disruption of silver coins to the Qing Dynasty is discussed. The Qing collected taxes in silver but did not control silver supply or minting. As a result, Latin Ameri...
24 Jan 20236min
