Late Qing Cultural Map - Chinese Culture in 1840 to 1911

Author: Fu Junlong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: The cultural and intellectual landscape of China during the late Qing Dynasty (the last 70 years) was colorful yet perplexing. When ancient Eastern civilization faced the "unprecedented changes in thousands of years," and Japan quickly adjusted its course, embarking on a modernization path of "Japanese spirit, Western wealth" starting with the Meiji Restoration, the Great Qing Empire appeared clumsy and restless. Social instability within the empire, coupled with a hostile external environment, led to the failure of various savior proposals and "self-strengthening" practices. "Enriching the people and strengthening the nation" became a nightmare for the Chinese. Based on extensive historical research, the author traces the intellectual evolution of China from 1840 to 1911, using individuals as, in a manner, avoiding clichés and striving to objectively, fairly, and authentically present the cultural mindset and life trajectories of the period during the transition from tradition to modernity.