Flag-waving fleet -- The rise and fall of China's modern navy

Author: Jiang Ming
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-08-03
Features: On September 17, 1894, the Japanese Navy and the elite of the Beiyang Fleet of the Qing Dynasty fought a bloody battle in the Huanghai Sea at Da Donggou. Over 100 years have passed, and the heroic deeds of Liu Buchan, Deng Shichang, and others still stir the blood. The Beiyang Fleet, once hailed as the world's sixth-largest, was defeated where? Read the scholarly work of historian Jiang Ming—The Fleet with the Dragon Flag—The Rise and Fall of Modern Chinese Navy. The author examines history with a modern perspective, focusing on comparative studies of naval forces between China and the world, offering his own observations and analyses on maritime defense versus frontier defense, naval development strategies, the late Qing government and the political faction of reformers, among other topics. For many lesser-known events in the history of modern Chinese naval affairs, this book provides valuable, such as the detailed account of the ironclad warship "Dingfang" from its purchase, training, to its sinking in the Weihai defense battle—each described vividly, making the book highly readable. Thus, it is not only a valuable reference for historians or professionals but also an excellent read for laypeople and middle school students alike. This book can be regarded as a microcosm of modern Chinese social history in the context of modern Chinese naval history. From the perspective of historical analysis, it summarizes the lessons of the rise and fall of the modern Chinese navy, once ranked ninth in the world, against the backdrop of major international disputes between China and foreign powers in the second half of the 19th century and the critical diplomatic and defense decisions of the late Qing government. It illustrates how the corruption of the Qing government and the oppression of foreign powers ultimately failed to realize the dream of "learning from the barbarians to surpass them." The insights it offers cannot be replaced by ordinary history textbooks. It provides a profound and extensive historical context for us to study socialist theory, conduct patriotic education, and, particularly, deepen young people's understanding of modern history.
Author Bio: Jiang Ming, born in 1957, graduated from the History Department of Fudan University in 1984. Currently, he serves as the Deputy General Manager of the Shanghai headquarters of China Galaxy Securities Co., Ltd. He has published works such as A Chronology of Modern Chinese Naval History and Glimpses through Adjusted Lenses.
Table of Contents
Foreword I
Foreword II
Preface to the First Edition
Preface to the Revised Edition
Chapter 1: The Precursors of Naval Affairs (1861-1874)
Chapter 2: Dual Development (1875-1884)
Chapter 3: Before and After the Battle of Mawei (1884-1885)
Chapter 4: The Establishment of the Navy Ministry (1885-1894)
Chapter 5: The Formation of the Beiyang Fleet (1885-1894)
Chapter 6: The Battle of the Yellow Sea and the Destruction of the Beiyang Fleet (1894-1895)
Chapter 7: The Second Peak of Naval Development (1895-1911)
Major Reference Works