Ep. 38 | The Qing Dynasty (Part 4)
Here we begin the turbulent, bloody, and historically humiliating 19th century in China. The first half-century sees two emperors, Jiaqing and Daoguang stand by helplessly as China is torn apart by uprisings, anti-Manchu discontent, a financial crisis, opium addiction on a massive scale, foreign invasion, and the usual deadly floods and other natural disasters. By the time the Daoguang emperor passes from the scene in 1850, it is clear to all that the Qing have long lost Heaven’s Mandate.
