Ep. 140-14 | Tea and Opium

Midway through the Qing Dynasty trouble is brewing, along with the tens of millions of pounds of tea annually exported to Britain. The Qianlong Emperor rebuffs Britain's envoy and puts a major damper on the prospects of China trade. Britain finds the perfect commodity to trade for tea, Patna Opium from India. This ultimately leads to conflict culminating in the Opium Wars. Why this war is misnamed is also explained. This was the age of the China Clipper ships and imperialism at its worst. New black teas are also discussed, including Lapsang Souchong and the one black tea that local Chinese didn't turn their nose up at: Keemun 祁门茶. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices