Summary

The British Empire was so enormous that Sir George Macartney referred to it as a “vast empire on which the sun never sets.” Even with the loss of the American colonies, it still boasted a worldwide domain and overwhelming influence. A new drink emerged during the Industrial Revolution that was forever linked to the British. Tea was the product that opened up European trade with the East. Tea began as a luxury drink but soon was consumed by everyone. It was the perfect drink for the British who saw themselves as both civilized and industrious.

Tea was first made from the dried leaves of an evergreen bush from the jungles of the eastern Himalayas. It was used as a medicinal remedy in southwest China. Buddhist and Taoist monks were instrumental in introducing tea into Chinese society. Lao-tzu, the founder...