The Study On The Historiography Of Zhang Zhidong

Zhang Zhidong is an important historical figure in the process of historical development of the late Qing Dynasty of China. In the difficult times, Zhang Zhidong successively acts as several important roles, which has a great impact on historical development under the strife-torn Qing Dynasty of China. In the history of China’s social transition, Zhang zhidong’life is closely related with the modernization of China, therefore Zhang zhidong became a complex transitional figure in the transitional era. Zhang zhidong had left lots of writings about politics, economics, military, diplomatic policy and so on, which especially reflected his historiography thought. From historical perspective, it lies in historical variation and the world history view; From the historiography, he discusses mainly from three aspects:the thought of the worldly affairs, the Chinese-style Westernization, and the general theory for studying the history. On the one hand, the historical thought of zhang zhidong conforms to the historical trend, supports the historical variability and social reform, which enables him to bring forth new ideas. On the other hand, zhang zhidong has been exposed to Confucianism from childhood, thus he unswervingly maintains the Feudalism, which reveals the nature of "meek feudal official" and his conservatism.