The Opium Wars - Part 1: Foreign Mud

Part 1 of my new series on the infamous Opium Wars, when Britain and later other European empires and the United States fought a series of wars in China to gain control of that nation's trade and wealth. In this episode we examine how opium was smuggled into China, and how the First Opium War erupted with terrible consequences for China.

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Music: "Pursuit" licenced to iMovie by Apple, Inc.

[ryanc]

Mark Felton doing the opium wars? This is something I didn’t know I needed!

[susanhepburn]

I'm British, nearly 70 and was never taught anything about this at school. Oddly, I came across it through reading an historical novel series, one of which dealt with it. Fantastic that you're dealing with it in your audio series. Thank you very much.

[bbisnothotkratos]

As someone whose parents are from HK and Macau, this is much appreciated Dr. Felton. Best doc I've seen by far, in any language, on this critical part of history.

[shounak]

We shall watch your newest venture with great interest.

[libertyman]

I would also like to see you do something on the Japanese occupation of Korea. THANKS again for your work.

[bucknertarsney]

Mark is the history teacher I always wanted in high school. ❤️

[MrBucidart]

Mark, I am a 60 yo American and was never taught this in history class, Thank you.

[Michael-Philip]

I have a 1896 British/Hong Kong Silver Trade Dollar with Britannia on the front.. One of my favs.

[paulboegel]

Dr. Felton, not only is your knowledge of history fantastic, your story telling engulfs one in the history.

[nickbreen]

This is a part of British history I know little about, very interesting so far! Thanks Dr F.

[baronoflivonia.]

Dr. Mark Felton delivers again, 42:39 minutes of a fantastic telling of real historical snapshot. I'm looking forward parts 2 and 3 so I don't know why 6 liked thumbs down, maybe dislikers of Real Historical Events. Thanks again Dr. Felton.

[russfultz]

The Opium Wars are my all time favorite military history. Thank you very much for covering them Doctor. Looking forward to part 2. Keep up the great work Sir!

[kennethrouse]

Thank you, Dr. Felton, for yet another highly interesting history lesson. The next parts will allow your fans to keep "chasing the Dragon".. intellectually, that is. 😎

[mtvrchannel]

Once again, another wonderful representation of a period in history I had no former knowledge of. You’re always hitting home runs Dr!

[Dystopia]

Next on War Stories with Mark Felton: the Melange War of 10191 A.G and the Battle of the Plains of Arrakeen. "The spice must flow!"

[xerodefects]

One of my favorite works of art was from a Chinese artist who depicted two scenes. One was a Chinese boxer trying to kill a British Officer and its titled Savage. The other is the British Office trying to kill a Chinese Boxer and it is title Civilized.

[TankerBricks]

I've heard of the Opium Wars but never in this detail Mark!

[LazyLifeIFreak]

As one of my other favourite youtube channels would proclaim it:
The Opium War, it is history that deserves to be remembered.

[wtfbuddy]

A War on drugs to pad the coffers of a Country with trade and the use of steam powered vessels to make war for the trade of drugs - not a proud moment for the British Empire. Cheers and amazing research that I am literally sitting and listening to with intrigue and interest.

[sarjim]

Thanks for this series, Dr. Mark. I know _of_ The Opium Wars but I really don't _know_ about The Opium Wars. I look forward to a better understanding of this when I'm done listening.