In the mid 19th Century China experienced a prolonged crisis as a result of the loss of the two opium wars with Britain. An attempt to economically revolutionise the country in the guise of the Self Strengthening Movement resulted in rapid economic development, but also fierce resistance from China’s traditionalists. Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subs
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Explaining History Podcast
For more than a decade, the Explaining History Podcast has helped listeners around the world make sense of modern history. What began in 2012 as a simple experiment—short, accessible episodes explaining major historical events—has grown into a long-running library of carefully researched, thoughtful explorations of the 20th and 21st centuries.
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Every week I publish one piece connecting a current event to its historical roots — free, every Tuesday. Paid subscribers get two additional deeper dives and full archive access.
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