In the Age of Imperialism: A Study of Hankow Based on the Maritime Customs Decennial Report (1892-1901)

Abstract

This research is based mainly on the Maritime Customs Decennial Report (1892-1901) to scrutinize the circumstances and development of Hankow, a typical Chinese port, in the Age of Imperialism. This essay argues that the western powers did not merely exploit the Chinese resources in the Age of Imperialism, but came hand in hand with capital, goods, and scientific knowledge, which facilitated trades and introduced technologies to China. This transformed Hankow into a global emporium with not only new constructions but also metropolitan characteristics. To this end, imperialism and modernization co-existed.