Confrontation over Taiwan: Nineteenth-Century China and the Powers

by Leonard H. D. Gordon

Overview

Confrontation over Taiwan: Nineteenth Century China and the Powers is a full and detailed account of international relations of Taiwan during the nineteenth century and specifically, the period between 1840 and 1895. During this time the western powers and Japan were engaged in imperialist designs seeking commercial and strategic gain in the South China Sea, which ultimately led to the Japanese colonization of Taiwan. Leonard Gordon, a diplomatic historian of East Asia, closely examines the foreign policies of China, Great Britain, the United States, France, and Japan. Also taking account of historic events on Taiwan and the mainland, Gordon has researched, in addition to the extensive published national records, unpublished archival materials in Taiwan, Japan, the United States, and Great Britain. Providing a context for understanding the current situation in Taiwan, the thorough research and historical analysis of Confrontation over Taiwan make this an essential book for students of East Asian History and International Affairs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739118689
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	10/23/2007
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.35(w) x 9.43(h) x 1.18(d)

About the Author

Leonard H. D. Gordon is professor emeritus of Chinese history at Purdue University. He was diplomatic historian for the Department of State between 1961 and 1963.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Taiwan and the Early Western Arrivals
Chapter 2 Americans and Britons in Taiwan at Mid-Century
Chapter 3 British-American Alignment in "Open" Taiwan
Chapter 4 Japan's Odyssey in Taiwan
Chapter 5 Japan's Retreat from Colonialism in Taiwan
Chapter 6 France Blockades Taiwan
Chapter 7 China Cedes Taiwan to a Powerful Japan
Chapter 8 Japan's Final Confrontation over Taiwan

Editorial Reviews

Overall, Gordon's broad and detailed account of the basic diplomatic events of the nineteenth century offers a valuable introduction to the diplomatic situation along coastal China in the turbulent area…. This informative book makes a useful reference companion.

New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies

Well grounded in historical facts, this work provides a useful reference to the study of East Asian international relations in the 19th century. Highly recommended. All levels/librariesssss

Choice Reviews

At last, an exciting narrative explaining how and why the Great Powers' leaders and elites in the nineteenth century agitated to claim sovereignty over Taiwan. Although China was able to resist successfully the English, French, and American grabs for Taiwan's minerals and markets, in 1895 a predatory Japan forced China to surrender the island. In describing the struggles among the powers for sovereignty over Taiwan, Leonard H. D. Gordon presents a powerful new argument, based on archival information, as to why China has so persistently striven to claim Taiwan, even into the twenty-first century! A work of immense importance for understanding contemporary relations between Taiwan and mainland China.

Ramon Myers

Overall, Gordon's broad and detailed account of the basic diplomatic events of the nineteenth century offers a valuable introduction to the diplomatic situation along coastal China in the turbulent area…. This informative book makes a useful reference companion.

New Zealand Journal Of Asian Studies

Well grounded in historical facts, this work provides a useful reference to the study of East Asian international relations in the 19th century. Highly recommended. All levels/librariesssss

Aug. 2008 Choice Reviews

Well grounded in historical facts, this work provides a useful reference to the study of East Asian international relations in the 19th century. Highly recommended. All levels/librariesssss

Choice

At last, an exciting narrative explaining how and why the Great Powers' leaders and elites in the nineteenth century agitated to claim sovereignty over Taiwan. Although China was able to resist successfully the English, French, and American grabs for Taiwan's minerals and markets, in 1895 a predatory Japan forced China to surrender the island. In describing the struggles among the powers for sovereignty over Taiwan, Leonard H. D. Gordon presents a powerful new argument, based on archival information, as to why China has so persistently striven to claim Taiwan, even into the twenty-first century! A work of immense importance for understanding contemporary relations between Taiwan and mainland China.--Ramon Myers, Hoover Institution, Stanford University

Overall, Gordon's broad and detailed account of the basic diplomatic events of the nineteenth century offers a valuable introduction to the diplomatic situation along coastal China in the turbulent area.... This informative book makes a useful reference companion.--New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies

Well grounded in historical facts, this work provides a useful reference to the study of East Asian international relations in the 19th century. Highly recommended. All levels/libraries--CHOICE, Aug. 2008

From the Publisher

Well grounded in historical facts, this work provides a useful reference to the study of East Asian international relations in the 19th century. Highly recommended. All levels/librariesssss

Aug. 2008 CHOICE