The Opium Wars: everything you wanted to know

History Extra podcast

Immediate Media

History

4.3 • 4.5K Ratings

🗓️ 16 February 2025

⏱️ 59 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Why did Britain go to war with China in the 19th century to protect the interests of drug dealers? Speaking with Elinor Evans, Stephen R Platt discusses the web of economics, addiction, and imperial ambition that led to two devastating 19th-century wars to protect Britain's lucrative opium trade in Qing China. From the desperate efforts of Chinese officials to eradicate opium, to Britain’s naval dominance, Stephen uncovers how these conflicts shaped China’s future and perceptions of western imperialism. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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1:34.1	Welcome to the History Extra podcast, fascinating historical conversations from the makers of BBC
1:41.4	History magazine.
1:43.7	Why in the 19th century century did Britain go to war with China to protect the interests of drug dealers?
1:52.7	Well, in today's episode, we're telling you everything you need to know about the opium wars.
1:58.9	Ellen Evans is joined by Professor Stephen R. Platt,
2:02.7	author of books including Imperial Twilight,
2:05.6	The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age.
	...

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