#316 - Opium War 1: Chasing the Dragon

In this empire business, you gotta make the opium first. Then when you get the opium, you get the silver. Then when you get the silver, then you get the tea. Time Period Covered: ca. 1760-1839 CE Major Historical Figures: Qing Empire: The Daoguang Emperor (Minning) [r. 1820–1850] Governor-General of Liangguang, Ruan Yuan [1764–1849] "The Hoppo" (Imperial Superintendent of Maritime Customs), The emperor’s personal revenue agent at Canton Chinese Commercial Interests: "The Cohong" (Gonghang), the licensed guild of Cantonese merchants authorized to trade with foreigners "The Consoo Fund" (Gongsuo), the Cohong...