Resist And Change

This dissertation discusses the urban transformation of AnQing from the end of 19th century to the early of 20th century.As the provincal capital of AnHui province, AnQing was an administrative center in inland China. Unlike China's largest cities which were most often treaty ports, and unlike many of other administrative cities in Ching China which became increasingly isolated from western impact or the treaty ports, AnQing became drawn into the new patterns through the treaty ports of Yangtze River. The dissertation discusses the political, economic and social development of the city and traces the impact of the general pattern of traditional change, the foreign influence and the Chinese political leadership,The dissertation details the modern developments in administration, education, commerce, industry, social life and popular culture that were directed toward making AnQing a modern city. It concludes that the modern transformation of the city happened under the reform of the political leadership and the impact of western elements. But the modernization constantly checked by the political disorders and the urban transformation failed to development.