Empire
250. Victorian Narcos: Banished From Beijing (Ep 4)
Apr 28, 2025
Discover the fascinating downfall of the British Macartney Mission to China in 1793. Delve into the clash of cultures that led to confusion over customs like the kowtow. Laugh along with the chaotic exit of the British embassy from Beijing. Unpack the serious implications of the opium trade on both British and Chinese societies. Explore how these events shaped diplomatic relations and set the stage for future conflicts. It's a wild ride through history filled with cultural misunderstandings and imperial blunders!
36:07
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Quick takeaways
- The failure of the Macartney Mission stemmed from cultural misunderstandings and the refusal to adhere to Chinese diplomatic protocols, particularly regarding the kowtow.
- Despite the British delegation's intentions, their misinterpretation of the emperor's displeasure led to a significant diplomatic breakdown and ongoing colonial tensions over the opium trade.
Deep dives
The British Embassy's Journey to China
The episode recounts the arduous journey of the British ambassador, Lord McCartney, and his team as they travel for a year to reach the Qing emperor in China. They attempted to present lavish gifts to the emperor to signify goodwill and establish trade relationships. However, the team had to leave their more valuable offerings behind due to the challenging terrain. This decision ultimately proved detrimental, as the gifts they brought were considered unimpressive, leading to disappointment and miscommunication with the Chinese court.
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