An Infamous Traffic: Historical Context

About An Infamous Traffic: Second Edition, from BoardGameGeek:

An Infamous Traffic is about the opium trade in the nineteenth century and the wars of imperialism that opened Chinese markets and set the stage for the collapse of the Qing dynasty. The game begins in the 1820s. For decades, demand for opium for both medical and recreational use has been building within China. The drug is one of the only effective painkillers available, and, in response to global demand, the East India Company has begun monopolizing its production in India. Some think that it may be the perfect product for breaking the longstanding trade deficit with China. At this time, the drug is strictly prohibited within China. Early discussions about its regulation and taxation have yielded increasingly draconian policies. However, the Qing government has grown dysfunctional. The southern coastline is rife with pirates and smugglers. Though the East India Company dare not trade the drug directly with China, it’s clear that others might be able to do so without provoking a response. That’s where you come in. In the game, you take the role of an enterprising merchant, eager to take advantage of the clear demand for opium in Qing China. Over the course of the game, you’ll develop business contacts, help construct critical supply chains with rival trading firms, and manage your domestic affairs while China teeters on the brink of social and political collapse. It is a brutal, interactive game of fragile partnerships and daring business maneuvers that takes about 20 minutes to learn and 1-2 hours to play. The new edition of the game has been rebuilt from the ground up with deeper gameplay, improved historical detail, a complete graphical overhaul, and a custom solo mode designed by Richard Wilkins.