Prelude to the Opium War In this episode, we directly pick up the main track of this podcast. Here, we're looking at EXACTLY what came before the Opium War. Next episode will be about the precise incident that set the British wheels in motion to send a naval expedition against China. Charles Elliot, the official in charge of British trade at Canton The British sent Charles Elliot to see to the safety of British subjects doing trade in China, make sure they weren't engaged in criminal activity, and keep trade flowing. When he showed up, the East India Company's monopoly was over and the official British control over trade with China was in an ambiguous, between place. Because of the ambiguity of his position, he was left hoping for a change in basic conditions. He was left hoping for the legalization of opium in China as the official sent to suppress it once and for all was on his way. Lin Zexu, Chinese commissioner directly from the emperor to suppress opium Lin Zexu, official with exceptionally high integrity, was sent by the Daoguang Emperor in 1839 to suppress the opium trade in Canton. He pursued a comprehensive suppression of drug consumption and trade and rehabilitation for addicts approach to the situation. When the emperor turned toward total suppression, Lin Zexu was on hand to carry out the emperor's vision. If You'd Like to Support the Podcast Subscribe, share, leave a rating. THIS IS FREE! Give once, give monthly at www.buymeacoffee.com/crpodcast Subscribe to the substack newsletter at https://chineserevolutions.substack.com/ Also... Please reach out at [email protected] and let me know what you think!