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The Opium Wars: Exploring the Addiction of Empires from Beginning to End
What's the best way to take over a country?
China loomed large on the world stage. Wealth, power, and hundreds of years of rule by the Manchus of the Qing Dynasty catapulted them to new heights, but with power and prestige came those who would do anything to usurp their authority and undermine their sense of stability.
The British Empire and its faithful allies devised a masterful plan and executed it with stark precision. Vicious lies, cheating, and stealing were only the beginning of what they had in store for the nation. What followed would ignite the Opium Wars and unleash a devastating wave of widespread narcotic abuse.
Read on to discover the tragic realities and horrifying truths about The Opium Wars and utter destruction that followed!
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 8, 2019
In school, I don't remember a dozen sentences about The Opium Wars, much less 100 pages about the subject. The opium trade seems to have had a long and not-very-illustrious past. How unethical for one country to dump highly addictive products in another country. It was good to see that the British public wasn't pleased by the sale of opium.
It was interesting to learn that Macau was occupied by the Portuguese at the time of the Opium Wars. This story also explains how Hong Kong became part of Great Britain's empire. The author explained 'gunboat diplomacy' to perfection with the British naval superiority forcing China to offer favorable trading concessions. Because of its success, European nations started dominating Eastern countries at will.
The writing is clear and interesting. It is well worth a reader's time. Enjoy.
It was interesting to learn that Macau was occupied by the Portuguese at the time of the Opium Wars. This story also explains how Hong Kong became part of Great Britain's empire. The author explained 'gunboat diplomacy' to perfection with the British naval superiority forcing China to offer favorable trading concessions. Because of its success, European nations started dominating Eastern countries at will.
The writing is clear and interesting. It is well worth a reader's time. Enjoy.
March 20, 2020
I made it to a junior in high school before I had ever heard of the opium wars, and when I did, it fascinated me. The book is a very good intro to the subject for anyone who wants an overview of the entire war. If anyone wants to make up for the lacking in the education system, this book does a wonderful job.
December 2, 2019
Informative
I was completely captivated. I had heard of the opium wars but had no idea what it involved. This book laid it out in a way that just grabbed me. It’s a quick read packed with everything you need to know.
I was completely captivated. I had heard of the opium wars but had no idea what it involved. This book laid it out in a way that just grabbed me. It’s a quick read packed with everything you need to know.
March 30, 2024
Well Written Summation
This overview of the conflicts known as the Opium Wars gives a good start to understanding this period of time and the battles over British and French influence and commerce in China, particularly in regards to the opium trade. It's hard to get too in depth in the myriad aspects and retain a short book, too many players, places, and names to keep track of, but this book provides a good introduction and concludes with a good biography for further reading.
This overview of the conflicts known as the Opium Wars gives a good start to understanding this period of time and the battles over British and French influence and commerce in China, particularly in regards to the opium trade. It's hard to get too in depth in the myriad aspects and retain a short book, too many players, places, and names to keep track of, but this book provides a good introduction and concludes with a good biography for further reading.
May 21, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I would have given it 5 stars if it had a map or maps.
June 3, 2024
A great read. A simple, straightforward overview of this disgusting part of British history.
An empire of dope dealers!
An empire of dope dealers!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews