China's Global Influence: A Comprehensive Historical Perspective, 200 BC 1976 AD

China in Global Historical Perspectives

Publication Year: 1988

Overview:

This scholarly monograph by S. A. M. Adshead, titled China in World History, offers an extensive analysis of China's historical development within the context of global history, spanning from antiquity to the late 20th century. The book is divided into six chapters, each meticulously detling different stages of Chinese civilization and their interactions with the world.

Key Themes:

The author explores various dimensions of China's role in the global community across different time periods:

1. World Apart 200 BC - 400 AD: This chapter delves into ancient China’s isolation from other cultures, emphasizing its unique development paths, including political, social, and economic structures.

2. World Centre 400 - 1000 AD: Here, Adshead discusses how China became a hub of cultural exchange in the east, influencing regions beyond its borders with its advancements in science, technology, art, and philosophy.

3. World Axis 1000 - 1350 AD: The discourse shifts towards the Middle Ages when China was central to Eurasian trade networks, particularly along the Silk Road, impacting global economics and cultural interactions.

4. World Renssance 1350 - 1650 AD: This period sees China's continued engagement with European explorers, missionaries, and merchants, presenting an intricate web of cultural exchanges that reshaped both Chinese society and its perceptions of the world.

5. World Within a World 1650 - 1833 AD: With the Enlightenment era as backdrop, this section examines China’s evolving relationship with Western powers during the colonial era, highlighting its internal dynamics and external pressures.

6. Between Two Worlds 1833 - 1976 AD: The final chapter discusses contemporary China's global integration following the late Qing dynasty reforms and through to recent times, illustrating the nation's increasing influence in international politics, trade, and culture.

Unique Contribution:

Adshead’s work provides a nuanced understanding of China's historical trajectory by linking it to broader global developments. It challenges traditional Eurocentric views on world history and offers readers a comprehensive view of China as both an autonomous entity with its unique cultural heritage and an active participant in the global community.

:

China in World History serves as an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding China's complex relationship with the world over centuries. Its detled exploration of historical narratives, coupled with insightful analyses of cultural exchanges and geopolitical interactions, makes it a definitive reference on Chinese history within the context of global events.

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Acknowledgements:

The author acknowledges institutional affiliations and thanks potential libraries for institutional subscriptions.

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