Recruitment Of Chinese Laborers In Shandong Area During The First World War

The fact that Beiyang government sent Chinese labors to attend the World War I was a great measure which China was trying to join the international community and the international community heard China voice. Although the main battlefield was in Europe, China was forced to make choices because the main belligerent countries had leased territories and spheres of influence in China. However, the choices varied in policy from neutrality, armed fight to "replacing the soldiers with labors". At last, with the evolution of the war, because of the loss of manpower, material resources and financial resources, France and England accepted the policy of "replacing the soldiers with labors" successively. After England accepted the policy of "replacing the soldiers with labors", the best labor recruitment site was selected. Finally, they chose Shandong area which had the advantage of geographical position and experience in recruitments. Although the work of the recruitment of Chinese workers was in trouble, It gradually improved because of the addition of missionaries and the fully propagation of attractive terms. About one hundred and thirty-five thousand to one hundred and forty-five thousand people went to Europe when The recruitment of Chinese laborers worked smoothly. Although in the first World War, they suffered inhuman torture-not only to endure physical pain,but also to suffer spiritual destruction. But with their industrious hands and intelligent brains, they completed all the work very well, not only that, they use their own lives to safeguard the interests of others and the Triple Entente in danger. The performance and sacrifices were made by farmers who did not know a single word. At the beginning, the farmers were attracted by the favorable conditions which were offered by Britain and France, in other words, the farmers were forced to leave their hometown in order to make a living. But their excellent performance fully embodied courageous spirit about "one for friends and one for all the Chinese people" which were described in "the song of Chinese laborers abroad". More importantly, their efforts were not only in favor of the final victory for he Triple Entente, but also in favor of the improvement of Chinese image in international community.According to the original files of record office of Weihai city, this article is divided into three parts to elaborate recruitment of Chinese laborers in Shandong area during the first world war with the objective manner.The first part elaborated the common needs of Beiyang government and western countries and the advantages of geographical position and experience in recruitment in the Shandong area which led to Chinese laborers of recruitment during the first world war.The second part elaborated that due to the noncooperation, the bad effect of "old west" events and the resistance of German, the recruitment of Chinese workers was in trouble.However,the development of recruitment of Chinese workers went smoothly because of the negotiation of the British government and Beiyang government, the addition of missionaries and the fully propagation of attractive terms.The third part thought the number of people that England and France recruited varied from one hundred and thirty-five thousand to one hundred and forty-five thousand. These Chinese labors won respect of the common people because of outstanding performance and the great spirit of sacrifice. The labors not only improved themselves and acquired professional skills, but also bought the western culture which was in favor of social improvement of China. Above all, What Chinese labors had done made for the triumph of Triple Entente. This made china obtain the legitimate seat at the meeting in Paris and had a power for spokesman in the international society.