Empire 249. Victorian Narcos: Doomed Envoy to China (Ep 3)
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Apr 23, 2025 Discover the intriguing story of Britain's first diplomatic envoy to China and the misconceptions that colored their approach. Learn about the significance of tea, the opium trade, and the unique cultural challenges that British diplomats faced. Dive into King George III's heartfelt correspondence with the Chinese emperor, revealing his complex character. Explore the Qing emperor's reign and the events that led to the Opium Wars, while unearthing the struggles and ambitions of the British expedition in the late 1700s.
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Misunderstood Chinese Diplomacy
- The British aimed to impress China with grandeur and gifts, following their usual diplomatic practice.
- They failed to understand Chinese diplomacy, which saw foreign envoys as inferior and not equals.
Enlightenment Admiration for China
- Europeans admired China as a rich, industrious civilization and model of morality.
- Unlike derogatory views of India, China's culture was idealized by Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire.
Grand Gifts: Planetarium and Balloon
- The British embassy brought a massive planetarium, hailed as the most wonderful mechanism ever made.
- They also carried a hot air balloon, seen as a magical technology to impress the Chinese.
