Modern Chinese history has long been a subject of significant interest among historians and researchers. On one hand, the advent of photography and the widespread availability of news media have made it easier to collect and document historical records. However, the dissemination of historical knowledge has taken on two distinct forms: the homogenized, officially approved narrative of modern Chinese history taught in schools, and the popular, literary rendition of history crafted by authors for mass consumption.
This dual approach has led to a confusing perception of history among the public, with many people drawn to the appealing, artistic reinterpretation of historical events rather than the actual, unvarnished truth. As a result, historical knowledge has become a form of literary comfort, lacking the transformative power it should ideally possess. Furthermore, this phenomenon may even have a detrimental effect, leading to a distorted understanding of the past.
One of the significant challenges in modern Chinese history research is the unequal access to historical resources. Many historians and researchers rely on personal connections and special identities to gain access to valuable databases and archival materials, which are often prohibitively expensive. This has created a significant barrier to entry for researchers outside of top-tier institutions, making historical research seem esoteric and inaccessible to the general public.
To address this issue, this website will collect and present news articles and discussions from the Republican period, showcasing the social and intellectual evolution of the time. To preserve the integrity of the historical records, the articles will be presented in their original form, without interpretation or evaluation.
The project is currently in the planning stage, with the specific column lineup to be announced at a later date. Publication will begin in January 2025, with irregular weekly updates.