247. Victorian Narcos: Tea Starts A Drug War (Ep 1)
Empire
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The Journey of Tea: From Ceremony to Commodity
This chapter explores the historical significance of tea, tracing its journey from a spiritual practice observed by Jesuit missionaries in Japan to a global commodity. It highlights the impact of trade, particularly by the Dutch East India Company, on tea's commercialization and popularity in Europe, especially in Britain. Through discussions of cultural implications and the intertwined history of tea and societal dynamics, the chapter reveals how tea transformed from an exotic drink into a crucial aspect of British identity and economy.
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