April 4 & 5, 2025
4130 Posvar Hall, University of Pittsburgh and Virtually
Poppies, Power, and Profits: A Mini-Course for K-12 Educators was a hybrid, free two-day K-12 mini course exploring the Opium Wars of the 19th century, their causes, and far-reaching consequences, connecting historical events with modern global issues. Through examining the relationship between imperialism, trade, and culture, participants gained insight into how the Opium Wars reshaped international dynamics, especially between China and Western powers, including the emerging empire of the United States. In collaboration with the Global Studies Center and World History Center at the University of Pittsburgh, sessions included presentations, activities and teacher-led strategies for curricular development.
The resources included on this page are:
- Resources discussed by the Speakers and the Group during the mini-course
- Videos of the Mini-course Lectures
- Copies of Lecture Slide Presentations and Additional Resources compiled by the Speakers
Mini-Course Speakers & Educator's Group Resources
Curriculum Resources and Recommendations for Teaching the Opium Wars and Global Opium Trade (PDF)
Mini-Course Presentations
Welcoming Remarks
Poppies, Power and Profit: The Opium Wars and Its Global Legacies Mini-Course
Welcome with Veronica Dristas
Presentation 1
The Chinese Opium Business in Global Context
with Dr. Peter Thilly, The University of Mississippi
Presentation 1 Slides
The Chinese Opium Business in Global Context - Dr. Peter Thilly (PDF)
Presentation 2
Rising on Smoke: Opium and the American Experience in China
with Dr. John Haddad, Penn State University, Harrisburg
Presentation 2 Slides
Rising on Smoke: Opium and the American Experience in China - Dr. John Haddad (PDF)
Presentation 3
Keynote Lecture
Smoke and Ashes: Opium's Hidden Histories
with Mr. Amitav Ghosh, Author of Smoke and Ashes
Presentation 4
The Opium Wars in the Longue Durée: Production, Profit, and Policy
with Dr. Siddharth Chandra, Michigan State University
Presentation 4 Slides
The Opium Wars in the Longue Durée: Production, Profit, and Policy - Dr. Siddharth Chandra (PDF)
Presentation 5
Incorporating Early China Trade and the Opium Wars into the K-12 Classroom
with Karl Neumann and Dr. Matthew Roberts
Presentation 5 Slides
Presentation Resources and Exploring More (PDF)
Presentation 6
Digital Mapping of the Opium Trade and Opium Wars for the K-12 Classroom
with Catherine Fratto and Dr. Alexandra Straub
Presentation 6 - Online Curriculum Resource
Place Collection Developed for Smoke and Ashes by Catherine Fratto and Dr. Alexandra Straub
https://whgazetteer.org/collections/217/browse_pl
Presentation 7
Poppies, Power, and Profit: Gamifying the Opium War and its Global Legacies
with Stephen Wludarski
Presentation 7 Slides