How China Went from 19th-Century Subjugation to Global Superpower

DW History and Culture May 11, 2025
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DW History and Culture takes a deep dive into both the big and small questions around art and culture, bringing to life the historical moments which shape our present and future. Subscribe to DW History and Culture and dig deeper. DW History And Culture is created in cooperation with the departments DW Culture and Documentaries and DW Design, Visual and Archives. For more visit: https://www.dw.com/en/culture/s-1441 Please follow DW's netiquette: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G

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China is one of the world's oldest civilizations. It has been a great power in the past and aspires to become a global superpower in the future. Today’s China it is still grappling with traumas that go back to the 19th century. Back then China sold silk, tea and porcelain to the British Empire, but hardly bought any British goods. To balance its trade with China, the British smuggled Indian opium into Chinese ports, which immediately increased demand for the drug and brought detrimental effects to the Chinese economy and the population. The Emperor's protests did not prevent the British Empire from forcing through the legalization of opium in China after waging two wars. Japan also surprised and devastated the country in what is known as the Century of Humiliation. From then until today, China has focused on steering its destiny and disarming its rivals. #dwhistoryandculture #DWAnaliza #dwhistoryexplained For more visit: https://www.dw.com/en/culture/s-1441 Please follow DW's netiquette: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G 00:00 Introduction 00:49 The Century of Humiliation 14:54 All for ONE 40:52 ONE for all

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