Reserch On The Merchants From The East Of Shanxi Since The Qing Dynasty

As an important part of Shanxi merchants, the rising of the merchants from the east of Shanxi has its own unique features. Currently, scholars' attention to the merchants from the east of Shanxi is not enough. Based on the merchants of Hedi town, this paper will classify and analyze inscription material in the area of Hedi town, also further study the various features of the merchants from the east of Shanxi.The area of Hedi town is rich in natural resources such as coal and iron. Since the Qing dynasty, Hedi town has formed a pattern of handicraft industry, which the iron goods is the central industry. The merchants' development of Hedi town is also established on the basis of local handicrafts and expanded continuously. The number of local Hedi merchants has reached a certain scale since Qianlong period.With the business development of Hedi town,the scope of business of local merchants has expanded continuously, but mainly concentrated in the iron goods, pawnshops, daily necessities and so on. The merchants of Hedi town who are running their business in other area are mainly concentrated in Beijing, Huolu and Liaodong area. From the late period of Qianlong,the number of the merchants in Hedi town who are running their business outside the Hedi area increased constantly and capital strength enhanced continuously. The scope of the business has expanded,for example, the rising of money shops and account Bureaus,and formed a group of powerful businessman.The merchants in Hedi town played an important role in local society, they are enthusiastic in the local public welfare activities. Through the fund-raising for the village temple construction, the participation in social relief and the management of community public affairs, they improved their position in society constantly. These are all reflect the changes of Hedi town merchants in the folk power status of village.In a word, as a part of the merchants from the east of Shanxi, the merchants' development in Hedi town has its universal characteristics.