The Janus-Head of Public Hygiene. Episodes from China`s Kiaochow as German Protectorate, 1897-1914

• In Event: Public Health and Environmental History

Abstract

At the rugged coast of China`s Shandong province lies the beautiful city of Qingdao. Since the late nineteenth century it has been accepted by both foreigners and locals as a summer resort, with its pleasant landscape, mild climate, and European living standard. Before the short, but intensive intervention of the German Empire, however, it was little more than a hamlet. To showcase the young nation state`s cultural achievement and technological progress, the government invested heavily. Within a few years German "model colony" Tsingtao transformed into an international sea port, whose building from scratch allowed German engineering to strive towards perfectionism, well in contrast to Macao or Hongkong. This seems supported by its unusual colonial government, subordinated to Emperial Marine Office rather than Colonial Ministry. Important pillar of this project - advised by medical officers - was the construction of an effective and durable water infrastructure securing public health.

This paper wants to explore the intersection between public health and racial segregation within the settlement. It wants to focus on the development of these problematically intertwined, but independent issues, also in their response to local climate, geography and natural environment. Attempts to securing a clean and healthy city shall be analysed from their meaning to navy discipline, racial hygiene, as well as communal spirit and identity. Especially highlighting regulations and practices aiming at public health of both foreign and local population, while at the same time building on and reinforcing racial concerns. As part of a larger project of compiling an environmental history of Qingdao this paper aims to sketch out dimensions of medical, social, and environmental historical questions, which were not only contributing to local issues, but had a significant effect on the evolvement of tropical medicine in Germany.

Author

• Agnes Kneitz, Renmin University of China