Summary of "The Opium Wars: Everything You Wanted to Know"

History Extra Podcast
Episode Title: The Opium Wars: Everything You Wanted to Know
Release Date: February 16, 2025
Host: Eleanor Evans
Guest: Professor Steven R. Platt, Author of Imperial Twilight, the Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the History Extra Podcast, host Eleanor Evans engages in an in-depth conversation with Professor Steven R. Platt to unravel the complexities of the Opium Wars between Britain and China in the 19th century. The discussion explores the origins, key events, socio-economic impacts, and the enduring legacy of these conflicts.

Background of Britain-China Trade

Professor Platt opens by contextualizing the Opium Wars within the broader scope of 18th and early 19th-century trade between Great Britain and Qing China. He highlights tea as the centerpiece of this trade, emphasizing its significance to British society and economy. "Tea was not just a beverage; it was seen as a necessity of life for the British," Platt notes ([04:24]).

Rise of the Opium Trade and Its Impact

The conversation delves into the trade imbalance caused by Britain's high demand for Chinese tea and China's limited export options. To rectify this, the British East India Company introduced opium from India into China, creating a surreptitious solution to balance the trade deficit. Platt explains, "The opium trade arose as the East India Company's solution to the problem of balancing trade for tea" ([08:01]).

Socio-Economic Implications

The influx of opium had profound social and economic repercussions in China. Initially consumed by the elite as a luxury, opium use spread across different social strata, exacerbating addiction and draining China's silver reserves. Platt emphasizes, "By the 1830s, the amount of opium going into China far surpasses the amount of tea coming out, tipping the trade wildly in Britain's favor" ([10:52]).

Internal Chinese Response and Commissioner Lin Zexu

Emperor Daoguang's reign marked a turning point as he grappled with the opium crisis. Platt introduces Lin Zexu, a Confucian official dispatched to Canton in 1839 to eradicate the opium trade. Lin's strict measures, including the destruction of opium stocks, ignited tensions leading to war. "Lin Zexu believed in government by virtue and took a moral stand against opium," Platt explains ([16:07]).

Escalation to the First Opium War

The destruction of £2 million worth of opium by Lin Zexu provoked outrage in Britain. Charles Elliot, the British Superintendent of Trade, exacerbated the situation by purchasing and delivering additional opium to China, forcing Lin to destroy it. This act, seen as an affront to British property, catalyzed the declaration of the First Opium War. Platt narrates, "The British government was compelled to act to honor the promissory notes, launching a war fleet to China" ([19:40]).

The First Opium War: Key Events and Battles

Platt describes the war as "absolutely dismal," highlighting the overwhelming naval superiority of Britain. The introduction of the steam-powered ironclad gunship, the Nemesis, rendered Chinese defenses obsolete. One poignant story involves a commander attempting to use trained monkeys with explosives against British ships, symbolizing the desperation and futility of Chinese resistance ([31:16]).

Treaty of Nanjing and Its Consequences

The war concluded with the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842, the first of the "unequal treaties." Key outcomes included the cession of Hong Kong to Britain, the opening of five treaty ports (including Shanghai), and the establishment of extraterritoriality for British citizens in China. Platt underscores the treaty's lasting impact: "The Treaty of Nanjing was negotiated entirely on Britain's terms, fundamentally altering China's sovereignty" ([36:27]).

The Second Opium War

Renewed hostilities emerged in the late 1850s, leading to the Second Opium War. Triggered by incidents like the boarding of the Arrow ship and the murder of a French missionary, Britain and France sought further concessions. The conflict culminated in the legalization of opium and the expansion of treaty ports. Platt notes, "The Second Opium War was just as scandalous and equally non-constructive for the British" ([43:53]).

Legacy and Impact on Modern China

The Opium Wars marked the beginning of the "Century of Humiliation" for China, signaling the decline of the Qing Dynasty and the onset of imperialist encroachments. Platt highlights the enduring influence of these events: "The Opium War is the beginning of modern Chinese history, shaping China's contemporary national identity and perceptions" ([56:05]). He adds, "Appreciating the historical importance of the Opium War is key to understanding China's government today and its view of history" ([59:13]).

Notable Quotes

• Professor Platt, [04:24]:

  "Tea was not just a beverage; it was seen as a necessity of life for the British."

• Professor Platt, [08:01]:

  "The opium trade arose as the East India Company's solution to the problem of balancing trade for tea."

• Professor Platt, [16:07]:

  "Lin Zexu believed in government by virtue and took a moral stand against opium."

• Professor Platt, [31:16]:

  "The Treaty of Nanjing was negotiated entirely on Britain's terms, fundamentally altering China's sovereignty."

• Professor Platt, [59:13]:

  "Appreciating the historical importance of the Opium War is key to understanding China's government today and its view of history."

Conclusion

Professor Steven R. Platt provides a nuanced and critical examination of the Opium Wars, elucidating their origins, progression, and profound consequences on China and international relations. The episode underscores the Opium Wars as pivotal moments that reshaped China's trajectory, leaving an indelible mark on its national consciousness and its interactions with the Western world.

Additional Resources:

• Professor Steven R. Platt's Book: Imperial Twilight, the Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age

• Join History Extra: Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p.