preview

Vital Glasses Summary

Decent Essays

Introduction- “Vital Fluids” 1. The author’s main thesis in setting up his book is that six beverages have had a great influence on the history of the world, and understanding their origins can help to explain many of the world’s fields and phenomenons. 2. These fluids are vital because they are the core of many historical eras and without them, our history and systems of trade would not exist today. “Beer in Mesopotamia and Egypt” (Chapters 1 and 2): 1. The discovery of beer meant an abundance of cereal grains, and storing them became essential. Thus, hunters and gatherers were encouraged to stay in one place in order to store the grains. 2. The history of beer in the ancient world tells us that early civilizations were able to discover …show more content…

Coffee was used in business and social settings to cultivate and form ideas and to discuss civilly without the negative behavioral side effects of alcohol. 5. “Tea and the British Empire” (Chapters 9 and 10): 1. Tea first became a mainstream drink in Asia in the first century BCE. Tea was then introduced to Europe in the early sixteenth century. 2. Tea, known to Asia as a luxury used for medicinal purposes, became a way of life for Europeans. It served as a huge asset towards the growth of Europe and Britain’s status as a world power. 3. The tea industry was able to take note of the effect coffee had on society, and could then target how best to be integrated into people’s daily lives. In addition, Europe at this time was entirely male-influenced, and men were infatuated with the discovery of coffee. Naturally, coffee became the drink of choice, leaving tea in the dust. 4. Tea became a lifestyle for the English. It was drunk by all ages and by every social class. Alcoholic beverages were less predominant, thus extending the life expectancy of Great Britain. It was common for families and friends to gather together daily to drink tea and …show more content…

Tea was an integral part of the Industrial Revolution for a number of reasons. During this time period, factory workers drank tea as they worked, as it sharpened their minds and improved concentration while working long hours with the machines. Tea also had antibacterial benefits, therefore allowing many workers to live in close quarters with less chance for disease. Tea was also a major item of trade during this time. 6. The British East India Company was an organization that controlled and supplied the tea in Britain. This organization had power over more people and made more money than the British government, therefore giving the company a great deal of influence on the nation and its policies. 7. By 1828, China was importing more opium than tea. The British government retorted by saying that China’s ban on opium granted them no right to destroy British merchants’ opium, and thus war was declared. 8. After the Opium War, the British began to look elsewhere for their supply of tea, and they turned to India. The British rule over India allowed for an extensive supply of tea to be produced and traded, giving India the title of the world’s largest producer of

Get Access