Richard Cobden wanted to know why British policy towards China was so different to our policy towards the USA and European powers.
Length: 116 words
History of China
Banner of Liberty
In 1840, Secretary at War Thomas Macaulay treated the Union Jack
like a bully’s visiting card, but backbencher William Gladstone believed it deserved better.
Length: 114 words
History of China
The First Opium War
In 1840, the British Government declared war on the Chinese Empire over their
harsh treatment of drug smugglers from Bengal.
Length: 112 words
History of China
‘Tremblingly Obey!’
Following a historic embassy in 1792-93, Chien Lung, the Emperor of China,
despatched a haughty letter rebuffing King George III’s offer of trade.
Length: 113 words
History of China
A Very Rapid Promotion
Aeneas Anderson, who accompanied Lord Macartney on Britain’s first embassy
to China, shared a tale illustrating the Qianlong Emperor’s notion of fair play.
