Empire 253. Victorian Narcos: Drug Dealers Lead Britain to War (Ep 7)
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May 7, 2025 The podcast explores how opium traders manipulated British politics to initiate war with China. It delves into the moral complexities of the opium trade, highlighting figures like Lord Palmerston and the internal debates in Parliament. Listeners learn about the naive approach of British officials towards military decisions and the stark miscalculations made by Qing officials regarding naval power. The discussion captures the brutality of the Opium War, offering reflections on its impact and highlighting the tragic outcomes for China.
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Opium Trade Power Play
- The opium trade was dominated by powerful traders Jardine and Matheson, who ignored the official British trade chief Charles Elliot.
- This illicit trade undermined British authority and set the stage for conflict with China.
Drug Traders Lobby for War
- William Jardine actively lobbied in London, planting propaganda to justify war against China.
- Lord Palmerston, the influential Foreign Secretary, embraced these hawkish views to support British imperial interests.
British Hawks Underestimate China
- The British government, influenced by hawkish members, believed a small show of force would coerce China into accepting British trade demands.
- They underestimated China's resolve and overestimated their control of the situation.
