Intro

This chapter explores China's historical context, particularly its identity as the 'Middle Kingdom' and the impacts of its isolation until the modern era. It highlights the significant technological gap revealed by a British ambassador's trade mission in 1790, marking a turning point in China’s view of the world.

Transcript

chevron_right

Play full episode

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

In today's episode, hosts Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into the rich and complex history of China in the last several hundred years -- a critical period if we consider China the greatest rival of the US. The discussion explores China's once stagnant technological and social progress, periods of humiliation by Western powers, China under Mao, and the subsequent rise to become a global superpower. Rudyard's comprehensive narrative also highlights the dramatic shifts in China's demographic, political, and economic landscapes, illuminating the factors that have shaped its current politics and societal challenges. Watch this episode accompanied by maps and illustrations on History 102's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@history102-qg5oj

History 102 is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

---

SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE

More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning.

Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive

---

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

---

RELATED PODCAST: If you dig History 102, we think you'll love Live Players with Samo Burja from Turpentine. Every week Samo and Erik dive into a key power player, institution, or company changing the course of history.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fbMTkHBnom1JIBWYNVBK1

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1718925188

---

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

China: A History by John Keay
The Soul of China by Amaury de Riencourt.
Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang
Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom: China, the West, and the Epic Story of the Taiping Civil War by Stephen R. Platt

LINKS:

WhatifAltHist on What if China Wasn't Communist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt5RY_DRbDU

---

HIGHLIGHTS;

Understanding China's Historical Context

China's Isolation and Technological Stagnation

China's Geopolitical Position During the Manchu Dynasty

300-year Period of Peace in China

The Opium Wars: A Turning Point in Chinese History

The Opium Wars - continued

The Taiping Rebellion: A Forgotten War

The Boxer Rebellion and the Fall of the Chinese Monarchy