ESHS/HSS Annual Meeting

A Study of China's Military Industry from the Perspective of Industrial Heritage (1861-1949)

• In Event: Technology and Management in Modern History

English Abstract

The military industry plays a significant role in shaping a nation's comprehensive strength. The establishment of China's modern military industry dates back to the late Qing Dynasty. Since the founding of the first modern military enterprise in 1861, it has undergone a development spanning over 160 years.Throughout Chinese history, several prominent military enterprises emerged, including the Kiangnan Arsenal, the Taiyuan Arsenal, the Shenyang Arsenal, the Jinan Arsenal, and the Huangyadong Arsenal. Over time, some of these facilities have evolved into industrial heritage sites. These enterprises occupied a significant position in modern Chinese history, serving as both participants in and witnesses to the nation's historical transformation. From the perspective of industrial heritage, this study traces the development of China's artillery manufacturing industry as a central thread. By integrating an analysis of the technical capabilities and technological standards embodied in associated industrial heritage sites, it clarifies the evolutionary trajectory of China's modern military industry within a complex historical and socio-political context, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of broader issues related to China's industrialization.

Author

• Qingqi LYU, Institute for the History of Science and Technology Inner Mongolia Normal University