Routledge : Government, Imperialism and Nationalism in China

Explore a new perspective on Chinese history with this scholarly work from Routledge. While the Chinese Maritime Customs Service is often viewed primarily as a tool of Western imperialism, this book looks beyond the British leadership to examine the role of the Chinese staff. Through extensive original research, the text investigates how the customs revenue functioned as a major source of income for the Chinese government, even as much of it was used as collateral for loans to Western banks. This study shifts the focus to the lower-level staff, providing a detailed look at how the Chinese government attempted to master Western expertise. This volume is an essential resource for students and historians interested in the complex relationship between government policy, economic history, and the struggle for agency during a period of significant external pressure. It offers a deep dive into the institutional workings of the Maritime Customs Service and its impact on the modern history of Asia.