Drugging a Nation The Story of China and the Opium Curse

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Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Shanghai, the narrative explores the stark contrast between the opium dens thriving in the international settlement and the strict enforcement of anti-opium laws in the adjacent Chinese city. While foreign authorities hesitated to close the dens due to legalities, Chinese officials took decisive action to eradicate opium use, leading to the permanent closure of these establishments. The response from the local populace and the transition of den owners into other businesses highlight the complexities of cultural and economic tensions during this period.