The Imperial Maritime Customs And The International Exhibitions

Between 1867 and 1905 the Maritime Customs Service sponsored no few than 29 international exhibitions under the initiative of the Inspectorate General of the Imperial Maritime Customs, Robert Hart. This is one of the important events in the Chinese modern history. However, the topic remains very much under-studied. It is hoped that the present research can make some contribution to the question, explain the characteristic features of the Imperial Maritime Customs and illustrate the complicated course of Chinese opening towards the outside world, provide experience for Chinese reform and opening today.The thesis focuses on the relationship between the Maritime Customs Service and the international exhibitions. It begins with the background to the history of the international exhibitions and the reasons for Hart involvements in the activities. The thesis then proceeds to focus on the Customs Service's work at Vienna(1873),Philadelphia (1876), Paris(1878), London (1883, 1884, 1885), Hanoi(1902), St.Louis(1904) and Liege (1905) exhibitions. It also describes and discusses the Chinese exhibition's situation and influence, the transfer of the authority of the exhibits' work. On one hand, the thesis holds that it's an important step for China to participate the international exhibitions. It has helped China step out towards the world and in turn allowed the world to get better understanding of China. In the meantime, it has improved the economic development of China and worked to widen the minds of the Chinese. For all these reasons, its contributions and significance should be affirmed. On the other hand, the characteristic features of the Customs decided its work has paid little attention to Chinese industry and commerce, damaged Chinese international status, hindered the development of China society and prevented the Chinese people from playing a direct and active role in the international exhibitions. Thus the China government had to regain the authority of the exhibit's work. It proves that only an independent and powerful nation can stand on its feet among the nations, benefit from the international competitions.