Opium to the "Fragrant Harbor": a Short History of British Hong Kong (1842-1997)

Presentation on the history of Hong Kong during the British colonial time. Hong Kong is called the "fragrant harbor" because so strong was the fragrance from the incense wood and powders that were traded in the XIX century in what is now the Aberdeen harbor. 

The British wanted Chinese tea and many addicted Chinese wanted opium from British India. When the government in Beijing protested, the British attacked and installed themselves in Hong Kong for over 150 years. This presentation deals with this period, and the next one will address the issues that emerged after Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997.


This is a video I have prepared for my lectures as guest speaker on cruise ships. It is meant as part education and part entertainment, infotainment as they like to put it in the industry! Comments and questions welcome below.