Echoes of War (Formerly The Pacific War Channel Podcast)

(Discussion) The Many Attempts at Opening up Sakoku Japan by Other Nations with Craig and Justin

Craig and Justin speak about the history and economics behind the Sakoku period of Japan and the many attempts by foreigners to open it up. Tokugawa Japan underwent a isolationist period known as "Sakoku" (closed country) for 214 years. Yet how "isolated" was it truly? Here you will learn about when and how the first Europeans made contact with Japan. What the Shimbara Rebellion was, how the Tokugawa Shogunate operated and traded at Dejima with the Portuguese and Dutch. Which European nations tried to open up Japan. How Commodore Matthew C Perry eventually was the one to open Japan up and how Japan viewed the world during its Sakoku period.

The Many Attempts at Opening Japan and the Meiji Restoration

Tokugawa Japan underwent a isolationist period known as "Sakoku" (closed country) for 214 years. Yet how "isolated" was it truly? Here you will learn about when and how the first Europeans made contact with Japan. What the Shimbara Rebellion was, how the Tokugawa Shogunate operated and traded at Dejima with the Portuguese and Dutch. Which European nations tried to open up Japan. How Commodore Matthew C Perry eventually was the one to open Japan up and how Japan viewed the world during its Sakoku period. 

What would occur after is the Meiji Revolution, the rapid modernization of Tokugawa Japan into the Meiji Era.

(Discussion) The Taiping Rebellion 1850-1864 with Craig and Justin

Craig and Justin speak about the history and economics behind the Taiping Rebellion, one of the most tragic civil wars to occur and took the lives of an estimated 20-30 million people. Hong Xiuquan, self proclaimed brother of Jesus Christ led his Taiping followers against the Qing Dynasty and almost overthrew it. The Qing dynasty faced the Taiping Rebellion, the Nian, Panthay, Dungan Rebellion and the Second Opium War simultaneously which would ultimately lead to its downfall. The Taiping Rebellion remained the bloodiest conflict in human history only to be surpassed by world war two.

(Discussion): The Second Opium War of 1856-1860 with Craig and Justin

Craig and Justin discuss the history and economics behind the Second Opium War of 1856-1860. Similar to how the Treaty of Versailles caused WW2, the the unequal treaty of Nanking signed after the first opium war of 1839-1842 was a major reason for the war. During the war the Qing Emperor, Xianfeng had to deal with both Britain and France as well as a Taiping Rebellion being led by Hong Xiuquan. The results of this war led to the great tragedy that was the burning of the old summer palace and a humiliating defeat for the Qing dynasty. Grievances such as these paved the way to the Pacific War of 1937-1945.

To check out the corresponding episode on the Second Opium War of 1856-1860 click here! https://youtu.be/i0fWx14Jku4

(Discussion): The First Opium War of 1839-1842 with Craig and Justin

The First Opium War of 1839-1842 was a devastating west meets east story that holds grievances even till this day. By the early 19th century over 90 percent of the Qing Dynasty court and many members of the army were opium addicts. Britain was economically and literally addicted-to tea, primarily grown in China, and ended up paying for it with profits made from the illicit opium trade. When China tried to ban the use of opium and stop Western smugglers from bringing it through its gates, England decided to fight to keep open China's ports for its importation.

(Discussion): On the Disaster that led to the Opium Wars, with Craig and Justin

Craig and Justin speak about the episode on the  trade disaster that led to the opium wars of 1839-1842 and 1856-1860. They will look at the economics behind the event and all the research that went into making the episode. 

The Taiping Rebellion of 1850-1864

The Taiping Rebellion of 1850 to1864 between the Taiping Rebels of Hong Xuiquan and the Qing Dynasty of China. Here you will hear about every battle that took place such, who the key figures were and why the war ended the way it did. The technology, military structures, tactics and countless lost lives over what was a corrupt business that never should have began. This was the bloodiest conflict in world history until the Second World War. History Matters.

The Second Opium War of 1856-1860

The Second Opium War of 1856-1860 between the British Empire, France and the Qing Dynasty of China. Here you will hear about every battle that took place such, who the key figures were and why the war ended the way it did. The technology, military structures, tactics and countless lost lives over what was a corrupt business that never should have began. History Matters.

The First Opium War of 1839-1842

The first Opium War of 1839-1842 between the British Empire and the Qing Dynasty of China. Here you will hear about every battle that took place such, who the key figures were and why the war ended the way it did. The technology, military structures, tactics and countless lost lives over what was a corrupt business that never should have began. History Matters.

The disaster that led to the Opium Wars

The  trade disaster that led to the opium wars of 1839-1842 and 1856-1860. How the exchange of tea, opium and silver led Great Britain and the Qing Dynasty to war. This episode will explain the rigid Canton tributary system, the economic trade network of the 19th century, how the Qing Dynasty operated, how the industrial revolution impacted trade, the actions of key individuals from both nations, a clash of cultures and how two empires became addicted and corrupted by another. History matters.