Excerpt from – “Part IV. Thirty Years of Research in American History in China”

Selections from American Studies in China, edited by Priscilla Roberts and forthcoming on the US‐China Education Trust website (http://www.uscet.net/template/index.cfm). Part IV. Thirty Years of Research in American History in China American history research is a relatively young discipline in China. Although in practice Chinese studies of American history began rather early, in the first half of the twentieth century, at that time most publications in American history were edited or translated works. After 1949, Chinese academic historians began to place greater importance on studying foreign historians, and a number of compilations on American history were published. Since 1978, with the implementation of the reform and opening-up policies in Mainland China, the study of American history, like other disciplines, has experienced unprecedented development. In the last thirty years, research in American history has become a field for serious academic study, as it has gradually escaped from the dominance of political ideology, and publications in this field have gone beyond translations and compilations. I. Trends and Achievements The turning point for American history research in China occurred between 1978 and 1979, when two major events provided new opportunities to develop research in American history. Firstly, with the implementation of the reform and opening up policy, China became ever more tolerant politically and witnessed a liberation movement in political and academic thinking. Taking advantage of this favorable development, research in American history entered a new era of rapid development. Secondly, the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States in 1979 brought an end to years of hostility and isolation. As a result, Chinese writing on American history was reoriented, from exposing, criticizing, and attacking the United States to a genuine academic and intellectual search. These two developments also made research in American history a practical necessity. When economic development, political reform, and social progress became top priorities in China, the historical experience and lessons of the rapid economic development of the United States won the interest of Chinese intellectuals. Moreover, more frequent bilateral interactions necessitated mutual understanding. Accurate knowledge of the reality of America could greatly assist China in making the best policy decisions when dealing with the United States. International academic exchanges have exerted a subtle but profound influence on research in American history in China. Since 1979, countless American scholars have visited China. Lectures by such prominent American historians as Philip S. Foner, Herbert C. Gutman, Michael G. Kammen, Oscar Handlin, Eric Foner, and Akira Iriye, were very well received by their Chinese counterparts. In addition, quite a number of American historians have taught in Chinese universities as Fulbright scholars, helping to train Chinese professionals. Meanwhile, increasing numbers of Chinese scholars have had opportunities to visit the United States to study, familiarize themselves with American society and the American academic world, and collect materials needed in their research. Likewise, many young Chinese students who have enrolled in American universities have returned to China after their graduation to teach, publish works in Chinese, and attend academic conferences, leaving their mark on the study and teaching of