Kyoto University Library Unveils Landmark Database: “China and the Modern World: Imperial China and the West, Part II, 1865–1905”
Kyoto University Library Organization is pleased to announce the release of a significant new digital resource, “China and the Modern World: Imperial China and the West, Part II, 1865–1905.” This comprehensive database, a crucial component of the “China Modern History Series,” offers unprecedented access to the Chinese-related British diplomatic archives (FO17), specifically focusing on the pivotal period between 1865 and 1905.
The official announcement was made on August 5, 2025, at 02:29 JST, marking a substantial advancement for researchers and scholars engaged in the study of modern Chinese history and Sino-Western relations. This meticulously curated collection provides a vital window into a period of immense transformation and complex interactions between Imperial China and Western powers.
The database, “中国近現代史シリーズ：中国関係イギリス外交文書（FO17）第2部（1865-1905）,” is comprised of primary source documents originating from the British Foreign Office (FO) archives. These records are indispensable for understanding the intricate diplomatic, economic, and social exchanges that shaped China’s trajectory during the latter half of the 19th century. The period covered, from 1865 to 1905, witnessed significant events such as the further opening of treaty ports, increased Western influence and intervention, internal rebellions, and the burgeoning of modernizing movements within China, all of which are extensively documented within these archives.
Researchers will find invaluable insights into the perspectives, policies, and actions of British diplomats and officials stationed in China during this era. The collection is expected to shed new light on key historical debates, facilitate deeper analysis of diplomatic strategies, and provide nuanced understandings of the evolving power dynamics between China and the West. The availability of these digitized materials through Kyoto University Library Organization’s platform will undoubtedly streamline research processes, making previously difficult-to-access information readily available to a global academic community.
Kyoto University Library Organization is committed to supporting advanced research and fostering scholarly inquiry. The launch of this database represents a significant investment in making critical historical resources accessible, thereby enriching the study of East Asian history and international relations. We encourage all interested scholars, students, and researchers to explore this invaluable new resource. Further details on accessing and utilizing the database can be found on the Kyoto University Library Organization’s official website.
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京都大学図書館機構 published ‘【データベース】China and the Modern World: Imperial China and the West，Part II, 1865–1905 （中国近現代史シリーズ：中国関係イギリス外交文書（FO17）第2部（1865-1905））のご案内’ at 2025-08-05 02:29. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.