A Study Of Qian Zhuang In Fujian (1840-1949)--Based Mainly On The Cases Of Fuzhou And Xiamen

Qian Zhuang, also called the Native bank or the old style Chinese private bank, which occupied a significant position in modern Chinese economic history, has drawn the wide attention from many scholars of economic history. From 1840 to 1949, Fujian, especially the treaty port city of Fuzhou and Xiamen, witnessed the flourishing and decline of many kinds of Qian Zhuangs. Unfortunately, they have not been sufficiently covered by these studies. In regarding to this, the author of this thesis tries to sketch the development of Qian Zhuang industry in Fujian during the period from 1840 to 1949. Based mainly on the cases in Fuzhou and Xiamen, some fundamental facts of many sorts of Qian Zhuangs in Fujian, such as their function, nature, organization, bill, account books, etc, were discussed in detail. We can see from this thesis: Qian Zhuang, as a hybrid of native bank and comprador financial institution, had twofold influences on the development of Fujian economy during this period. On the positive side, they were conducive to the flowing of commodities, thus made trade easier. On the negative side, Qian Zhuang couldn't escape the fate of being used as a tool by foreign powers to plunder local people.