Episode 6 - Whales and Crocodiles

Lin Zexu's destruction of British opium causes debate in London. But the Whig government has plenty of other crises. Lord Palmerston makes demands of China and sends warships in spite of reluctance at home. Opposition to a war with China is debated in Parliament.The British use newly seized Hong Kong as a base, battle with the Chinese by Guangzhou and bombard and then make an amphibious assault on Zhoushan Island by Shanghai. The sail as far as Tianjin. The Daoguang Emperor receives Lord Palmerston's letter and replaces Lin Zexu. The British are wined and dined and sail back south to see if Palmerston's demands are met.Here is a map showing highlights from the original Opium War between Great Britain and the Qing Dynasty of China.https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1avTI5eEAq5yBQoW4ZFg7FnUmEM6Og_c&usp=sharingImage: "National Portrait Gallery - Lord Palmerston - Harry Redknapp's Grandad" by Gareth1953 All Right Now is licensed under CC BY 2.0.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.