Recharging China in War and Revolution, 1882-1955

Ying Jia Tan's book explores the politics of Chinese power consumption, tracing its history from the late Qing to the 1937 Japanese invasion. It argues that power industries became an integral part of the nation's military-industrial complex, asserting economic sovereignty through nationalization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In his captivating book, "Recharging China in War and Revolution, 1882-1955," Ying Jia Tan delves into the intricate politics of Chinese power consumption as the electrical industries underwent remarkable development over seven decades of revolution and warfare. Tan's historical journey spans from the textile-factory power shortages of the late Qing era to the intense battles over China's electrical industries during its civil war and the devastating 1937 Japanese invasion that crippled China's generative capacity by 97 percent. Throughout this enlightening narrative, Tan demonstrates how power industries seamlessly integrated into the nation's military-industrial complex, revealing how competing regimes sought to assert economic sovereignty through the nationalization of electricity.

Drawing upon a vast array of published records, engineering reports, and archival collections from China, Taiwan, Japan, and the United States, "Recharging China in War and Revolution" presents a compelling argument that even in periods of peace, the Chinese economy operated as if still in a state of war. This book meticulously explores how power systems were constructed in China, emphasizing their ability to meet immediate demands but sacrificing efficiency and longevity. The result is a profound understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped China's energy landscape during this pivotal period.

Thanks to generous funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this book is now available in ebook editions as Open Access volumes through Cornell Open (cornellpress.cornell.edu/cornell-open) and other reputable repositories. By making this valuable content accessible to a wider audience, we aim to promote scholarly research and understanding of China's historical development.

In conclusion, "Recharging China in War and Revolution" is a must-read for anyone interested in delving into the complex politics of power consumption, military-industrial relations, and economic development in China. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Ying Jia Tan provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of this critical period in Chinese history.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501758959