Podcasts




Episode five hundred and seventy-eighth The United States enters modern industrialization (36) Changes starting from American higher education (2)

Duration: 0:16:33

The democratization of higher education in America has led to a questioning of traditional subjects and an emphasis on practical courses. The establishment of public universities and colleges has also allowed for greater access to education, including for women. The generosity of private individuals and charities has also played a significant role in the growth of higher education in the US, with many institutions being established through personal donations. However, the issue of access to free public secondary education remains a debated topic in American democracy.


Ming and Qing History 43 Burning the Old Summer Palace

Duration: 0:09:02

This Chinese historical story recounts the burning of the Yuanmingyuan (Summer Palace) in Beijing during the Second Opium War in 1860. This was a result of Western colonial powers such as Britain, America, and France forcing unequal treaties upon the Qing government, that allowed them to loot China's wealth. A Chinese ship was seized by the British under false pretences, which triggered the war. The Yuanmingyuan, which was an elaborate palace complex built over centuries by Qing emperors and interwoven with traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles, was looted and burned to the ground by the Western forces. The palace had been filled with countless treasures, artworks, and historical artifacts. The destruction of the palace is regarded as one of the greatest cultural losses in Chinese history.


Language: Chinese