The Global in the Local: A Century of War, Commerce, and Technology in China

In The Global in the Local: A Century of War, Commerce, and Technology, Professor Xin Zhang transforms our comprehension of modern Chinese history by diverging from Eurocentric perspectives. Zhang introduces the groundbreaking concept of global in the local history, interweaving three compelling case studies that vividly illustrate the profound impact of global changes on the tapestry of everyday life. From the tragic events during the First Opium War in 1842 to the transformation of business transactions facilitated by unscrupulous brokers and the unprecedented introduction of steam-powered ships in market transportation, the reader is immersed in a world where ordinary Chinese people contend with forces reshaping the very essence of their existence.

 

The book furnishes a valuable tool for future scholars seeking to understand the intricate negotiations between local societies and global transformations. Zhang's meticulous research and compelling storytelling render this book an indispensable resource, illuminating China's historical evolution and its enduring impact on the present.