Back to Show
Story of China
The Opium Trade in China
Michael Wood talks to Prof. Zheng Yangwen about the crippling social effects on China of the opium trade run by the British. "Where is your conscience?" the emperor asked Queen Victoria. In the late 1830's, the Chinese decided to do something about it and ordered the destruction of all the opium held in British workhouses. There would be tragic consequences for China in the First Opium War.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:18
The great Taiping Rebellion, the fall of the Empire and the rise of Mao.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:48
Michael Wood tells the dramatic tale of China's last empire, the Qing.
Unlock with PBS Passport
56:48
The time of the Great Wall , the Forbidden City and treasure ships sent on ocean voyages.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:18
Michael Wood tells the tale of China's Renaissance.
Unlock with PBS Passport
57:33
Michael Wood conjures up China's first great international age, the Tang Dynasty.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:18
Michael Wood returns to the beginnings of Chinese history to find clues to today's China.