The China History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 135 | The Song Emperor Huizong (Part 4) Jun 01, 2014

Show notes

In this final installment of the history of the life and times of the emperor Huizong, we look at the series of events that followed the Jürchens' Seige of Kaifeng in 1126-1127. What followed was the Jingkang Incident, which for centuries made the Chinese bow their heads in shame. The entire Song imperial family was captured and sent north to live out the rest of their lives in the harsh lands far beyond The Great Wall.

Ep. 134 | The Song Emperor Huizong (Part 3) May 10, 2014

Show notes

We continue in this episode examining the second decade of Huizong's reign. The good times lasted about twenty years but all good things can't go on forever. By 1120 Huizong is going to begin to see the handwriting on the wall. The years we look at today will the years Huizong later on most regrets.

Ep. 133 | The Song Emperor Huizong (Part 2) Apr 18, 2014

Show notes

This time in Part 2 of our series we look at Huizong as he attempts to assemble his team and deal with bitter factional strife that was rampant since the Wang Anshi New Reforms. We also look at Huizong the great patron of the arts.

Ep. 132 | The Song Emperor Huizong (Part 1) Mar 20, 2014

Show notes

We're going to begin a new series that will look at political, social, and cultural life in the late Northern Song. The second the last emperor Huizong will serve as our vehicle to examine this period in the late 11th and early 12th century China. University of Washington professor Dr. Patricia Buckley Ebrey has recently published a book entitled Emperor Huizong. I'm going to use this as one of the main sources.

Ep. 131 | Morris Two-Gun Cohen (Part 2) Mar 02, 2014

Show notes

We're going to finish off the last 45 years of Morris Two-Gun Cohen's life in this extra-long episode. With Sun Yat-sen now gone, Morris Cohen worked hard to reinvent himself and remain relevant in the world of Chinese business and politics. Morris will hit some highs and lows in this episode as he tried to leverage his past association with Sun and his obvious loyalty to the KMT into an ongoing and lucrative career. As you'll see in this episode, the road was hardly a smooth one.

Morris Two-Gun Cohen Feb 23, 2014

Show notes

Today I wanted to introduce a sort of lovable rogue who haunted the hotel lobbies of Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, London, and Edmonton. Today's subject was by no means a historic figure. In fact, I don't think you can even call him a bit player. Nonetheless, Morris Abraham Cohen had a China story that deserves a CHP-telling. This one goes on for over two hours. So if you have a bottle of scotch and a King Edward cigar nearby, sit back, relax, and enjoy the life of Morris "Moishe" Two-Gun Cohen. As nobodies from history go, he had a great story.

The Incident at Xuanwu Gate Jan 19, 2014

Show notes

In this episode, we revisit the founding of the Tang Dynasty and focus on the events leading up to, during, and right after the Incident at Xuanwu Gate. This slice of historic theater took place on July 2, 626. It resulted in the victory of Li Shimin over his two brothers. Not long afterward Li Shimin was promoted by his father to the emperorship and reigned as Tang Taizong.

The History of American Chinese Cuisine Dec 30, 2013

Show notes

After a record-breaking pause in the action, Laszlo is back with one last episode to finish 2013. This time we look at the interesting and amusing history of Chinese cuisine in America, an oft-requested topic here at the China History Podcast. This is a history that goes hand-in-hand with the earliest Chinese immigration to the US. If you're interested to learn more on the subject, I strongly recommend checking out the work of Andrew Coe.

The Birth of US-China Relations Nov 27, 2013

Show notes

In this episode, we take a look at the circumstances and times when the brand spanking new nation of the USA came to a calling to China for the very first time. The so-called "Most Important Relationship in the World" had very humble origins indeed. When representatives of the United States first arrived in Canton in August 1783 they really had a lot of explaining to do about who they were and where they came from.

Sir Run Run Shaw Nov 04, 2013

Show notes

Today we have some lighter fare than usual. Finishing off this trio of Hong Kong tycoons from the old days will be Sir Run Run Shaw. He was a behemoth in the Asian film and entertainment industry for most of his life. When I came out with this episode many, many years ago, he was still living. Since the release of this episode, he has passed away. He lived to 106, leaving us in 2014. This is an old episode, and like all of these from so long ago, the audio could use a makeover. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected