Echoes of War

The Boshin War of 1868-1869 was a Japanese civil war fought between the Tokugawa Shogunate and Anti-Tokugawa Shogunate sonnō jōi backing Domains during the Bakumatsu period of the Meiji Restoration.

The Satsuma Rebellion of 1877 was a war led by the Last Samurai, Saigō Takamori of Satsuma against the Meiji government of Japan. Saigō Takamori and 500 Samurai died making a last stand at the Battle of Shiroyama.

Craig and Justin speak about the history and economics behind the Meiji Restoration. After 214 years of Sakoku, Japan was opened up by Commodore Matthew C Perry ushering in a new Era. The Meiji Restoration was the rapid modernization of Tokugawa Japan into the modern Era. The Tokugawa Shogunate system wouldnot survive the Bakumatsu period and would fall as a result of the Boshin war. The Samurai would make a last stand during the Satsuma Rebellion. The incredible industrialization of Japan under Emperor Meiji would change all aspects of Japan and would lead to the creation of the Empire of Japan.

Craig and Eric go over amazing and lesser known facts about the battle of midway. How did the US break the Jn-25 code? How did Radar effect the battle? How did the USS Yorktown get repaired so fast to be at the battle? Why was famous Hollywood director John Ford at the battle? What was the importance of the Aleutian islands campaign and how did aboriginal Aleuts get involved? What was the Akutan Zero fighter? What was Nagummo's dilemma? What role did submarines play in the battle of Midway? How did anti-air guns on either side of the battle influence its outcome? How did the battle of Midway dethrone Battleships for Aircraft Carriers? All of this and more!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.