Tea originated in ancient China, where it was initially used for medicinal purposes.

It became a popular beverage during the Tang Dynasty and developed a rich cultural significance, including the tea ceremony.

Tea was introduced to Europe in the 17th century by Dutch and Portuguese traders.

It became immensely popular in Great Britain, where it evolved from a luxury item for the aristocracy to a national drink for all classes.

The British East India Company came to dominate the tea trade with China.

The massive British demand for tea led to a major trade imbalance, which the British tried to correct by illegally selling opium to China, leading to the Opium Wars.

To break the Chinese monopoly, the British began cultivating tea on a large scale in their colonies in India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

The American Revolution was sparked in part by a dispute over British taxes on tea, culminating in the Boston Tea Party.

The demand for sugar to sweeten tea also fueled the growth of the slave-based sugar plantation economy in the Caribbean.

Tea has been a major driving force in global trade, colonialism, and culture for centuries.