Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhouwan were all leased and colonized under similar circumstances, but experienced differing degrees of cultural and socio-political alteration and influence.
The purpose of this research paper is to study these leased territories during their colonization, and find out how they differed during their periods as colonies, why the French gave their leased territory back to China so soon while Portugal and Britain did not, and what lasting effects colonialism had on each territory. This is so the audience will understand how they differ from one another—and mainland China— today.
Table of Contents
Thesis Proposal
Contextual Essay
Literary Review
Annotated bibliography
Thesis
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this research paper is to examine the historical, cultural, and socio-political evolution of the leased territories in Guangdong, China—specifically Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhouwan—during their respective periods of colonization. The study seeks to investigate the varying degrees of European influence, the reasons behind the differing post-colonial trajectories of these territories, and their subsequent integration back into Chinese society.
- Comparative analysis of British, Portuguese, and French colonial administration in Guangdong.
- Evaluation of the strategic importance of the Pearl River Delta in European trade expansion.
- Examination of the socio-political factors that led to the formation of unequal treaties and the eventual retrocession of these territories.
- Analysis of the lasting impacts of colonialism on the modern identities of Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhanjiang.
- Investigation into the specific administrative and infrastructural legacies left by the colonial powers.
Excerpt from the Book
Thesis
“Le Gouvernement chinois en raison de son amitié pour la France, donne à bail pour 99 ans, la baie de Kouang-tcheou-ouan au Gouvernement française, qui pourra y établir une station navale avec dépôt de charbon. Les limites de la concession seront ultérieurement fixées d’accord entre les deux Gouvernements, après études sur la terrain. On s’entendra plus tard pour la loyer.” —Monsieur Dubail, Tsung-li Yamênto 10 April, 1898
These are some of the words written in correspondence by Monsieur Dubail, the Tsung-li Yamênto (a diplomat), of France to China. In this correspondence, M. Dubail set the groundwork for the negotiations that would ultimately establish a leased territory under French control in China’s Guangdong Province. To translate: “the Chinese Government, in consideration of its friendship for France, leases the bay of Guangzhouwan, for 99 years, to the French Government, which may establish a naval station and coal depot (there). The boundaries of the Concession will be fixed hereafter by agreement between the two Governments, after examination of the terrain. We will arrange later for the rent.”
Over the course of 1897 and 1898, France, as well as the United Kingdom and Portugal, signed unequal treaties and agreements that would lease the ownership of different port cities in Guangdong Province to European control until the end of the millennium. The above quote is in reference to the 2nd term of the Treaty of Kwangchow wan (Traité de Kouang-Tchéou-Wan, also known as the Guangzhowan Accord), one of the aforementioned treaties.
Summary of Chapters
Thesis Proposal: This chapter outlines the scope of the study, defining the historical context of 19th-century European expansion into China and establishing the research focus on Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhouwan.
Contextual Essay: This section provides a historical background on the Qing Dynasty, detailing the internal struggles, corruption, and social unrest that made China vulnerable to foreign intervention.
Literary Review: This chapter categorizes the academic and primary source material used, discussing the methodology for analyzing colonial, socio-political, and economic records from various perspectives.
Annotated bibliography: This section offers a critical evaluation of the source material, assessing the reliability and relevance of academic monographs, journal articles, and historical treaties for this thesis.
Thesis: The core section of the paper, which investigates the specific treaties of the leased territories and contrasts the development, colonial legacies, and transition processes back to Chinese sovereignty.
Keywords
Guangdong, Qing Dynasty, Colonialism, Leased Territories, Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhouwan, Unequal Treaties, Imperialism, Pearl River Delta, Retrocession, Decolonization, Sino-British Joint Declaration, Treaty of Nanking, Cultural Revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this thesis?
This work examines the colonial history and socio-political development of the leased territories in Guangdong, China, specifically focusing on Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhouwan.
What are the primary themes explored?
Key themes include European imperialism, the impact of unequal treaties, the influence of colonial administration on local governance, and the complexities of territorial retrocession.
What is the research goal?
The goal is to understand how these regions differed as colonies and how they have integrated back into mainland China, highlighting why France, Britain, and Portugal had different post-colonial outcomes.
Which methodology is employed?
The author uses a comparative analysis method, utilizing a diverse array of primary sources (treaties, official correspondence) and secondary scholarly sources (academic monographs, journal articles).
What does the main body cover?
The main body investigates the specific circumstances under which France, Britain, and Portugal obtained their leased territories and how each power administered these regions before their eventual return.
Which keywords define the scope?
Terms such as imperialism, retrocession, unequal treaties, and specific geographical names like Guangdong and the Pearl River Delta characterize the analysis.
How did the French retrocession differ from the others?
Unlike Britain and Portugal, France returned Guangzhouwan earlier (1945/1946) because the territory was strategically less vital and the post-WWII political situation necessitated a diplomatic gesture of goodwill.
What role did the Cultural Revolution play?
The Cultural Revolution severely impacted Guangzhouwan, leading to the rapid erasure of most French colonial cultural markers and architecture, an effect not seen to the same extent in Hong Kong or Macau.
How does the author describe the strategic importance of the region?
The Pearl River Delta is identified as a vital trading hub; controlling the entrance to this delta allowed colonial powers to influence both foreign trade and domestic Chinese economic flows.
- Quote paper
- Michael Gorman (Author), 2016, Leased territories in Guangdong, China. A comparative study, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/340746
