This is the extraordinary story of how silver shaped the history of our world, from the 16th century to the present day.

Discover what happens when the King of Spain’s supply of silver meets the Emperor of China’s tax demands. This remarkable story places China at the center of world trade 400 years ago, when China’s demand for silver linked the world into one global network.

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Discover what happens when the King of Spain’s supply of silver meets the Emperor of China’s tax demands. This story places China at the center of globalization.

The Silver Rush

Modern China is the second-largest economy in the world—soon to be number one. But this isn't anything new for China, which has always been an economic powerhouse. Spin back just over two hundred years to see what "addictive" commodities are at the heart of China's trade with Great Britain.

China has always been an economic powerhouse. Spin back just over two hundred years to see what "addictive" goods are at the heart of China's trade with Great Britain.

The China Trade

The sun is setting on the Chinese Empire as the balance of power shifts between China and Great Britain. But China is once again the world’s biggest importer of silver, thanks to new high-tech industries.

As the balance of power shifts from the Chinese Empire to Great Britain, China is once again the world’s biggest importer of silver–thanks to new high-tech industries.