Modern China

History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg

In today's episode, hosts Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into the rich and complex history of China in the last several hundred years -- a critical period if we consider China the greatest rival of the US. The discussion explores China's once stagnant technological and social progress, periods of humiliation by Western powers, China under Mao, and the subsequent rise to become a global superpower. Rudyard's comprehensive narrative also highlights the dramatic shifts in China's demographic, political, and economic landscapes, illuminating the factors that have shaped its current politics and societal challenges. Watch this episode accompanied by maps and illustrations on History 102's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@history102-qg5oj

History 102 is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [e-mail].

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RELATED PODCAST: If you dig History 102, we think you'll love Live Players with Samo Burja from Turpentine. Every week Samo and Erik dive into a key power player, institution, or company changing the course of history.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fbMTkHBnom1JIBWYNVBK1

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1718925188

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RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

• China: A History by John Keay
• The Soul of China by Amaury de Riencourt.
• Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang
• Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom: China, the West, and the Epic Story of the Taiping Civil War by Stephen R. Platt

LINKS:

WhatifAltHist on What if China Wasn't Communist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt5RY_DRbDU

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:20) Understanding China's Historical Context

(02:04) China's Isolation and Technological Stagnation

(07:56) China's Geopolitical Position During the Manchu Dynasty

(10:57) 300-year Period of Peace in China

(12:12) The Opium Wars: A Turning Point in Chinese History

(15:28) Be a Sponsor of a Turpentine Podcast

(16:17) The Opium Wars - continued

(21:40) The Taiping Rebellion: A Forgotten War

(31:55) The Boxer Rebellion and the Fall of the Chinese Monarchy

(33:18) Communism and Mao's China

(39:08) Deng Xiaoping's Reforms and China's Economic Boom

(41:56) Predicting China's Future: Growth and Potential Challenges

(46:36) Wrap and Further Reading Recommendations