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The Opium Wars: how Scottish traders fed the habit
THE BEGINNING of the 19th century was a good time if you were ambitious, male and British. There was money to be made in the Empire for those willing to travel in search of opportunity. Two young Scots, William Jardine and James Matheson set up a company that became hugely successful then and is still flourishing today. They also stand accused of starting the Opium Wars.
By the mid 18th century the powerful British-owned East India Company held the monopoly on all trade in the eastern empire. They had India sewn up, but China was still a closed door.for more click here
