Dimitri’s Reviews > Imperial Twilight: The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age > Status Update
Dimitri
is on page 385 of 555
The George Staunton who spoke before the House of Commons on 7 april 1839 might seem difficult to reconcile with the scholar who had tried a lifetime to build a more respectful opinion of Chinese civilisation in Britain, but DEFENDING the war had always been a part of him as well, in the belief that the East India Company had kept the corrupt local authorities of Canton "in check".
(Now a role for a naval squadron)
— Jan 17, 2026 04:53AM
(Now a role for a naval squadron)
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Dimitri’s Previous Updates
Dimitri
is on page 302 of 555
Regular trade resumed after Napier's blustering attempt at gunboat diplomacy, without gunboats within range & without the diplomacy to follow established protocol through Canton merchants with Quing officials.
Jardine & Matheson did not give up so easily.
— Jan 16, 2026 03:19PM
Jardine & Matheson did not give up so easily.
Dimitri
is on page 262 of 555
In essence, the 2nd coastal exploration of 1832 identified a wedge the Company could drive right through the firmament of China. A natural alliance of British trade interests & the multitude of Chinese merchants with their desire for free commerce, both of them set against the jealous government of the Manchus.
— Jan 16, 2026 11:29AM
Dimitri
is on page 242 of 555
Most of the common Chinese people this missionary spoke to tough, didn't know much more than that Europe was a small country inhabited by a few merchants who speak different languages & who maintain themselves primarily by their commerce with China.
— Jan 16, 2026 09:53AM
Dimitri
is on page 109 of 555
The strategy to crush the White Lotus rebellion by 1804 is compared to the "strategic hamlet" strategy of the U.S. in Vietnam: fence in the reliable farmers, turn the countryside into open season against rebels and the unreliable farmers feeding them.
Would a South African metaphor work here?
— Jan 14, 2026 02:24PM
Would a South African metaphor work here?
