To satisfy their booming, lucrative demand for Chinese tea in the 19th century, British merchants smuggled Indian-grown opium into China to balance a severe trade deficit. When Qing officials sought to stop this, Britain waged the Opium Wars, ultimately seizing Hong Kong as an imperial spoils of war.

For a deep dive into the geopolitical and economic roots of this era, the intersection of the tea-for-opium trade is frequently explored in historical lectures. The historical dynamics of this era are well-documented, but not so much where the Royal Pavilion Brighton fits in with it all. We hope to find out.

This is a full day of lectures, including a light lunch and refreshments. The costs will be available nearer the time, and tickets will be on sale at our September and October lectures.