The transformation of Japan from hermit kingdom to imperial power happened with breathtaking speed. When American Commodore Perry's "black ships" steamed into Tokyo Bay in the 1850s, they shattered Japan's 250-year isolation with technology that seemed to come "from 200 years in the future." This technological gap created a constitutional crisis that would ultimately topple the Tokugawa Shogunate and usher in the Meiji Restoration of 1868.Jonathan Clements guides us through this pivotal period where Japan found itself facing what one historian calls "an invitation to an alien game" - forced to adopt international norms and institutions they never agreed to. Rather than becoming colonized like China or India, Japan's new leaders determined to become players in this global power game. They systematically studied Western nations, adopting what they perceived as the best elements of each: a German-style army, British naval technology, and aspects of French law.This selective modernization happened against a backdrop of growing militarism and expansionism, particularly toward Korea - strategically described as "the dagger at the heart of Japan." The 1894-95 Sino-Japanese War demonstrated Japan's new capabilities, but the subsequent "Triple Intervention" by Russia, France and Germany (forcing Japan to abandon territorial gains) created a humiliation that would fuel future aggression.Throughout this period, the Japanese government struggled with "gekokujō" - military insubordination where officers initiated "incidents" that expanded Japanese influence without authorization. The assassination of Korea's Queen Min by Japanese agents exemplifies this dangerous pattern where unauthorized actions expanded imperial control while undermining civilian government - creating precedents that would ultimately lead Japan toward its catastrophic Pacific War.Whether you're interested in East Asian history, imperial expansion, or the roots of 20th century conflict, this exploration of Japan's rapid transformation reveals how quickly a nation can reinvent itself - for better or worse.You can send a message to the show/feedback by clicking here. The system doesn't let me reply so if you need one please include your email.
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1:09:15
How England Nearly Conquered France & Why They Failed
The Hundred Years' War shaped medieval Europe's political landscape for over a century—but what really caused this epic conflict between England and France? In this illuminating conversation, former UK Supreme Court Justice and acclaimed medieval historian Lord Jonathan Sumption cuts through myths and misconceptions to reveal the war's true origins.Contrary to popular belief, the war didn't begin as a simple grab for the French crown. Instead, it stemmed from a complex constitutional crisis when French kings began centralizing power over previously semi-independent territories held by English monarchs. As Lord Sumption explains, "The kings of England decided that the only way they could retain their independence as dukes of Aquitaine was to cast off the sovereignty of the French crown."The discussion explores how England, despite being smaller and less wealthy, repeatedly triumphed on the battlefield through technological advantages like the deadly longbow and tactical innovations such as dismounted combat. We examine Parliament's crucial role in war financing and how devastating chevauchées (mounted raids) terrorized the French countryside for decades.Perhaps most fascinating is Lord Sumption's analysis of Joan of Arc's extraordinary impact. Through "an insane degree of courage," this remarkable figure transformed French morale and fulfilled a prophecy about France's redemption by a spotless virgin. Her push for Charles VII's coronation at Reims proved pivotal in convincing French subjects of his divine right to rule.The war's conclusion came not through a single decisive battle but through French administrative reorganization, standing armies, and Burgundy's crucial defection from the English alliance. As Lord Sumption observes, even exceptional leaders like Henry V ultimately could not overcome resource disparities—reminding us that in warfare, available resources ultimately determine outcomes.You can send a message to the show/feedback by clicking here. The system doesn't let me reply so if you need one please include your email.
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1:00:52
Imperial Twilight: How Trade, Tea, and Opium Led to War
The story of the Opium War is one of history's most consequential yet widely misunderstood conflicts. Professor Stephen Platt joined me to unravel the fascinating web of events that led Britain and China into a collision that would reshape Asia and the global balance of power for centuries to come.Far from being a simple tale of drug dealers backed by imperial force, Stephen reveals cultural misunderstandings, diplomatic failures, and economic pressures eventually converging with devastating consequences. We talked about the Canton trading system where all Western trade was restricted to a tiny compound "smaller than the footprint of one of the pyramids in Egypt," and how Britain's insatiable appetite for tea created a massive trade imbalance that would eventually be filled by opium.The conversation takes us through extraordinary attempts at cross-cultural communication, from James Flint (the only Englishman alive who could speak Chinese in 1759) to the disastrous McCartney Embassy where diplomatic relations collapsed over the kowtow ritual. Stephen explained how a panicking British captain effectively made Queen Victoria "the largest holder of opium in the world" by buying merchants' illegal drugs on the government's behalf—a fateful decision that created the legal pretext for war.Perhaps most surprising is how fiercely contested this war was within Britain itself, with Parliament nearly voting to end the conflict by a margin of just five votes. The Times of London coined the term "Opium War" specifically to shame the government for fighting on behalf of drug dealers.Join us for this exploration of a pivotal moment when two civilizations, each convinced of their own superiority, failed to understand one another with consequences that continue to echo in our time.Stephen's book Imperial Twilight concentrates on the causes of the war more than the war itself. And in particular the people at the heart of it all. Utterly brilliant stuff.You can send a message to the show/feedback by clicking here. The system doesn't let me reply so if you need one please include your email.
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1:18:03
The Curse of a King - with Christopher de Bellaigue
I spoke to Christopher before about his book the Lion House. That was part 1 of a trilogy on the life of Suleiman the Magnificent. Christopher is back to talk about part 2: The Golden Throne - the Curse of a King.From the intricate power dynamics of the Ottoman court to bloody naval battles in the Mediterranean, "The Golden Throne" recreates the world of Suleiman the Magnificent at the height of his reign. We discover an empire where Christian slaves could rise to the highest positions of power, where the harem functioned as a complex political institution, and where eunuchs served as crucial information brokers between the male and female spheres of governance. The life of Suleiman himself – from youthful sultan to aging monarch increasingly concerned with piety and legacy – forms the emotional core of the book. But just as interesting is the diplomatic chess match between the four great powers of the era – Suleiman's Ottomans, Francis I's France, Charles V's Habsburg Empire, and Henry VIII's England – reveals surprising alliances that defied religious boundaries. The scandalous partnership between "the Most Christian King" Francis I and the Muslim Ottomans against fellow Christian powers demonstrates how realpolitik has always trumped ideological purity. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean becomes a theater of spectacular naval conflict, where the pirate-turned-admiral Barbarossa conducts raids of shocking brutality while engaging in a curious dance of mutual avoidance with his Habsburg counterpart Andrea Doria.Perhaps most chilling is de Bellaigue's exploration of the Ottoman succession system – the literal "Curse of the King" that gave sultans the legal right to execute their brothers upon taking the throne. As Suleiman ages and his numerous sons position themselves for power, we witness how this institutional fratricide casts a shadow over the royal family, with Hurrem (Roxelana) orchestrating a dangerous campaign to ensure her sons triumph over the popular prince Mustafa. This family drama builds toward a climactic resolution that reveals the brutal foundations of imperial power.You can send a message to the show/feedback by clicking here. The system doesn't let me reply so if you need one please include your email.
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1:13:52
Anton Howes on Salt (and on much, much more!)
Anton Howes writes the brilliant Age of Invention substack. We were supposed to talk about the history of salt and its powerful impact on people and states. We certainly did talk about that but also a lot more!- history's efflorescences- Henry VIII's ruthless tax grabs- The feebleness of England (until suddenly . . .)- Rebel space colonies- The Spanish and English Armadas- Lot's wicked daughters- The Roman (non) Industrial RevolutionAnd amidst all our digressions I mentioned the film with more digressions than even we could manage, The Saragossa Manuscript. Highly recommended. And also the documentary about salt production in My Name is Salt which is just wonderful.You can send a message to the show/feedback by clicking here. The system doesn't let me reply so if you need one please include your email.
I talk to the world's best historians and let them tell the stories. And the stories are wonderful! (And occasionally I change the subject and talk about films, philosophy or whatever!).
UK