Event Type: Branch

Takes Place: 18th March 2026

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Gloucestershire Heritage Hub; Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester, GL1 3DW and via Zoom online

Description: Professor Yang-Wen Zheng; University of Manchester How did increased tea consumption and the growth of middle class in 18th and 19th century Britain led to war with China? To what extent was the conflict less about opium and more about silver? How did the conflict shape the history of modern China and led to the country's transformation in the post-Mao era? The talk dives deep into the origins of the conflict, it explores the theatre of war and probes both the short- and long-term consequences. Born and raised in China, Professor Zheng was educated at Oberlin College (USA) and Cambridge University (King's College). She taught at the University of Pennsylvania and the National University of Singapore before joining Manchester where she is Professor of Chinese history. She has authored/edited 10 volumes, including The Social Life of Opium in China and Ten Lessons in Modern Chinese History.

How to book: Zoom link will be sent out by email and available on our website

Price: Free for members and students, £4 for guests

Tel: 01242 574889

Email: histassocglos@gmail.com

Website: https://www.glos.co.uk

Organiser: Andrea Robertson

Lecturer: Professor Yang-Wen Zheng, University of Manchester

Region: West Midlands

Branch: Gloucestershire