Research On The Ku-T'ien Incident In 1895

In china's modern history, with the infiltration of western churches, the campaigns of counter-western churches was flourishing as well, one of which was Ku-T'ien Incident in 1895. According to various literature and files, plus the existing research results, the essay attempts to make an overall and deep survey and discussion of Ku-T'ien Incident so that people can pay more attention to the incident, the relationship and the exchange between China and western society, gaining more objective and fairer awareness and comprehension. This essay introduces the developing history of the English Church Missionary Society in Fujian and Gutian and some Missionary Cases generated by it in earlier period; describes the preaching activities and the influence of the key character, Robert W.Stewart; narrates the developing process of Huashan-Kut'ien Massacre; analyses the particular setting and sources of Ku-T'ien Incident, especially the opposition and interaction among the church, Ts'ai-hui, and local government, with the purpose of proving that Ku-T'ien Incident had occurred inevitably though it seemed accidental, for it was part of modern China's campaigns targeting at foreigners and Qing in the form of folk secret society. Meanwhile, this essay illustrates the details of the strength contrast and compromise oriented in the inquisition and investigation of the case among the nations both home and abroad after the Huashan-Kut'ien Massacre; reveals the intrusive essence of the Western powers who use their strength to bully the weak, explains the truth that the weak have no position in diplomacy, praises the local officials for their spirit to argue on the base of reason and their wisdom to mediate smartly.