Who led the first British envoy to China? What did Europeans think of China in the 1700s? Why did the diplomats bring a huge planetarium as a gift for the Chinese emperor?
William and Anita continue the story of the build up to the Opium Wars with the story of the doomed British envoy to China.
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Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire C ... Show More
Aug 2025
#303 - Qing 38: The Macartney Expedition (or, We Possess All Things)
A British lord sails halfway around the world with warships, telescopes, and a hot-air balloon, convinced that dazzling gadgetry will win his country a permanent embassy and a seat at the table as an equal. Lord Macartney gets his audience with an aging Qianlong Emperor at Chengd ... Show More
29m 20s
Sep 2022
236. China and World War II (Part 2)
Tom and Dominic welcome back special guest Rana Mitter to discuss China's position during World War Two.
This episode covers the Rape of Nanjing by Japanese forces, the military tactic of flooding the Yellow River, the deal between Chinese Nationalist Wang Jin Wei and Japan, and ... Show More
1h 5m
Oct 2022
240. Young Churchill: Soldier of Empire (Part 2)
Join Tom and Dominic in the second episode of our mini-series on Young Churchill as they dive into his imperial exploits. From Cuba to Sudan, they explore his obsession with adventure, the ambiguities that existed within his own moral universe, and his swashbuckling prose.
Join ... Show More
54m 39s