255. Victorian Narcos: From Opium To Fentanyl (Ep 9)
Empire
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Opium's Legacy: Trade, Addiction, and National Identity
This chapter examines the historical significance of the Treaty of Tianjin and the Convention of Peking in expanding British trade in China, particularly through the legalization of opium during the second opium war. It explores the impact of opium on Chinese society and its evolution from a tool of exploitation to a source of national humiliation, shaping the collective memory and identity of the Chinese people. The discussion also connects historical opium trade dynamics to contemporary issues of drug policy and China's relations with the West, highlighting the ongoing complexities of governance and blame.
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