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HistoryExtra podcast

HistoryExtra podcast

History

The Opium Wars: everything you wanted to know

The Opium Wars: everything you wanted to know

2025-02-16
Download Right click and do "save link as"

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.

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