Research On The Founding And Early History Of Changyu Wine-making Company (1892-1916)

The development of modern industry and commerce serves as a principal motive force for the changes of society and economy in modern China. At the end of the Qing Dynasty and the early years of the Republic of China, national bourgeois economy progressed rapidly, when in society surged the historical trend of saving the nation through industry and commerce. During this era, several industrialists and famous enterprises of influence made their appearance, especially some joint-stock ones with intensive production and management. Among them was Changyu Wine-making Company in Yantai founded by a famous overseas Chinese industrialist named Chang Bishi, the first industrialized enterprise producing grape wine in modern China, which established its reputation as a celebrated national brand. However, because of the insufficiency of data, few studies have been made on this company founded by an overseas Chinese which was highly modernized and accomplished success even in its early stage. By means of the historical data collected from relevant archives, newspapers and magazines, this thesis makes an investigation into the founding history and the financing of Changyu Company. In this thesis, the early history of Changyu Company is discussed systematically; the modernization and limitations in such aspects as raw materials, facilities, production and management are illustrated objectively; and emphasis is laid on the analysis of the reasons why the company developed successfully in its early period and the enlightenment it provides. While exploring the causes, through combining the history of politics, economy and society, the author demonstrates, from two research angles, namely, the interior and exterior conditions of the company, the important elements which led to its prosperity in the early phase including the managerial pattern, the skilful handling of its relations with government officials, and the changes of social and economic environment. In the discussion, it is pointed out, by employing comparative research method and analyzing statistical data, there are certain problems in the expansion process of modern China's industry and commerce: the unhealthy financing environment, the limitation of traditional economy and values, the pressure from foreign industrial and commercial enterprises, and their pounding on the development of industry and commerce of China is also indicated. It is supposed that the content discussed, the inspiration gained and the conclusions drawn can be used for reference for the development of contemporary industry and commerce of China, and the creation of more national brands. In addition, the perspectives and the research methods chosen in this thesis may be consulted when modern industry and commerce and the changes of modern economy are studied.