Why Did Britain Get China Addicted To Opium? | Empires of Silver

China's lust for silver helped establish their formidable economic position on the global stage. However, Western powers were reluctant to engage in silver trade and in their search for an alternative avenue they discovered something that would change history forever: Opium. As opium surged throughout the nation, it brought forth multifaceted societal issues, ultimately fueling the harrowing Opium Wars. These conflicts marked the onset of a devastating "Century of Humiliation" for China, leaving an indelible mark on its history and global standing

In 1581, China's Emperor sparked a global demand for silver, changing the course of history forever. This was how Spain's silver trade with China shaped the New World, funding America's Industrial Revolution and driving the growth of cities worldwide. Uncover the conflicts and consequences as silver becomes both a source of power and a catalyst for China's 'century of humiliation.' Join us on a journey that reveals the intricate connections between China and the rest of the world.

According to the Romans the Celts were little more than mindless barbarians, but was that actually the case? In this episode we take you to the Celtic golden age to find out if what the Romans say is true, or if there is actually a lot more to this diverse group of people. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

Shintoism and Confucianism remain hugely important to their respective nations of China and Japan to this day, but their origins are far older than one might expect. Delve into the ancient origins of these two belief systems. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

Nestled in a small Indiana town since 1895, Whispers Estate embodies a true paranormal haunting. Turning skeptics into believers, this house proves that its walls do more than just talk. Hear the chilling testimonies of the home owner, the staff, and numerous visitors of their encounters with the entities who reside in this home that many claim is alive.

In 1972, while digging a hill in Changsha, workers stumbled upon a tomb that would rewrite the history of death. Inside was Lady Dai (Xin Zhui), a woman who died 160 years before Christ, yet her skin was still soft, her limbs were flexible, and her veins still contained red blood. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 📺 You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.