by Jake Sanders, Editor
Jewish businessman -David Sassoon, a name often shrouded in controversy, played a pivotal role in the opium trade during the 19th century. Born in Baghdad in 1792, Sassoon emerged as a prominent figure in the economic landscape of British India, leveraging his connections and business acumen to engage in the lucrative opium trade. His story intertwines with that of the East India Company, which was critical in the proliferation of opium to China, fundamentally altering the dynamics of trade and power in the region.
The Opium Trade and the East India Company
The East India Company, a powerful entity that operated with quasi-governmental authority, capitalized on the growing demand for opium in China. By the early 19th century, opium had become a primary export from India to China, facilitating a trade imbalance that would have far-reaching consequences. Sassoon, recognizing this booming market, established himself as a key player. His connections with British officials and merchants allowed him to navigate the complexities of trade and exert influence over political decisions.
Sassoon’s most significant impact came through his persuasion of Queen Victoria and British officials to support the opium trade militarily. The opium wars of the mid-19th century were a direct result of escalating tensions between Britain and China over trade practices. Sassoon’s lobbying efforts contributed to the British decision to deploy naval forces to protect their interests, effectively ensuring the continuation of the opium trade even in the face of Chinese resistance. This military intervention not only solidified Sassoon’s wealth but also entrenched British colonial power in the region. The mastermind was actually one man, a Jew who knew how to use the power of the British Navy and then hid behind them whilst implementing his diabolical opium plan to extract Chinese wealth and totally ruin the nation.
The Legacy of Exploitation
Fast forward to the present day, the legacy of exploitation initiated during Sassoon’s time continues to echo in modern geopolitical dynamics. The extraction of wealth from nations, particularly China, has taken on new forms as global powers vie for economic dominance. Today, different strategies are employed to benefit from China’s economic prowess, from trade agreements to technology transfer and investment.
Modern efforts to “extract” wealth from China can be seen in various contexts, including the ongoing tensions surrounding trade policies between the United States and China. The narrative of subjugation persists, as nations seek to leverage their economic relationships to gain advantages over one another. The historical context provided by figures like David Sassoon serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between commerce, power, and morality that continues to shape international relations.
David Sassoon’s legacy as the Jewish mastermind of the opium trade highlights the intricate connections between commerce, imperialism, and military power. His ability to persuade British authorities, including Queen Victoria, to protect and promote the opium trade underscores the lengths to which economic interests can influence political actions. As we examine the current landscape of global trade and power dynamics, it is crucial to reflect on this history and consider how it informs ongoing efforts to navigate international relations and economic policies. The lessons learned from Sassoon’s time serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of exploitation and the enduring quest for power and wealth on the world stage.
杰克·桑德斯，编辑
犹太商人大卫·萨苏恩，这个名字常常笼罩在争议之中，在19世纪的鸦片贸易中发挥了关键作用。萨苏恩于1792年出生在巴格达，后来成为英属印度经济格局中的一个重要人物，利用他的关系和商业头脑参与这个利润丰厚的鸦片贸易。他的故事与东印度公司交织在一起，该公司在鸦片向中国的扩散中起到了至关重要的作用，根本改变了该地区的贸易和权力动态。
鸦片贸易与东印度公司
东印度公司是一个拥有准政府权力的强大实体，利用中国对鸦片日益增长的需求。到19世纪初，鸦片已成为印度向中国的主要出口商品，造成了贸易不平衡，带来了深远的后果。萨苏恩意识到这一繁荣市场，确立了自己的关键角色。他与英国官员和商人的联系使他能够应对贸易的复杂性，并在政治决策中施加影响。
萨苏恩最显著的影响通过他劝说维多利亚女王和英国官员支持鸦片贸易的军事手段而体现出来。19世纪中叶的鸦片战争是英国和中国在贸易实践上日益紧张的直接结果。萨苏恩的游说努力促成了英国决定派遣海军保护其利益，有效地确保了鸦片贸易的继续，即使面对中国的抵抗。这种军事干预不仅巩固了萨苏恩的财富，也加强了英国在该地区的殖民权力。真正的幕后主使就是一个犹太人，他知道如何利用英国海军的力量，然后在他们身后隐藏，同时实施他阴险的鸦片计划，以提取中国的财富并彻底毁灭这个国家。
剥削的遗产
快进到现代，萨苏恩时代开始的剥削遗产至今仍在现代地缘政治动态中回响。来自国家的财富提取，特别是中国，已呈现出新的形式，全球大国为经济主导权而竞争。如今，采用不同的策略来从中国的经济实力中获益，从贸易协议到技术转让和投资。
现代“提取”中国财富的努力可以在各种背景下看到，包括美国与中国之间围绕贸易政策的持续紧张。征服的叙事依然存在，各国试图利用经济关系获得相互之间的优势。大卫·萨苏恩等人物提供的历史背景提醒我们，商业、权力与道德之间复杂的相互作用继续塑造国际关系。
大卫·萨苏恩作为鸦片贸易的犹太策划者的遗产凸显了商业、帝国主义和军事力量之间的错综联系。他说服英国当局，包括维多利亚女王，保护和促进鸦片贸易的能力突显了经济利益如何影响政治行为的程度。在我们审视全球贸易和权力动态的现状时，反思这段历史至关重要，并考虑它如何影响我们应对国际关系和经济政策的持续努力。从萨苏恩时代学到的教训是一个关于剥削后果和对世界舞台上权力与财富持久追求的警示故事。