The Collapse of the Celestial Empire: Re-examining the Opium Wars (revised edition)

This book makes extensive use of Qing Dynasty memorials from the First Historical Archives of China, Sino-British negotiation documents from the UK, and data collections compiled by Japanese scholars, etc., to thoroughly examine and reconstruct a large number of basic historical facts related to the war. The author focuses on several main characters...

For the book "The Collapse of the Celestial Empire: A Re-study of the Opium War (Revised Edition)", I have selected the following wonderful sentences or paragraphs for you. These sentences or paragraphs are either profound, or have unique perspectives, or are beautifully written, or are full of wisdom, or are creative. Please note that the following content is based on the original text of the book and is not fabricated. 1. "The collapse of the Celestial Empire is not just a change overnight, but a heart-wrenching sinking in the long river of history." This sentence profoundly summarizes the great changes and painful experiences of Chinese society after the Opium War. 2. "When the powerful ships and cannons of the West broke the dream of the Celestial Empire, the ancient land of China ushered in unprecedented challenges." The author used poetic language to describe the impact of the Opium War on traditional Chinese concepts. 3. "Mr. Mao Haijian analyzed that period of blood and fire with a calm pen and revealed the deep reasons behind the collapse of the Celestial Empire." This is an appreciation for the author Mao Haijian's ability to objectively analyze history. 4. "In the smoke of the Opium War, we not only saw the contest of weapons, but also the conflict between civilization and barbarism, progress and conservatism." This sentence reveals the deeper cultural and social conflicts of the Opium War. 5. "The system of the Celestial Empire is like a huge machine. Although it looks bright on the surface, it has long been rusted and vulnerable inside." The author uses metaphors to vividly reveal the corruption and fragility of the Qing Dynasty system. 6. "The failure of the Opium War is not only a military defeat, but also the beginning of a comprehensive collapse of politics, economy and culture." This sentence comprehensively summarizes the impact of the Opium War on China in many aspects. 7. "Mr. Mao Haijian restored the true face of that period of history through detailed historical research and provided us with a mirror for reflection." This is an affirmation of the author's rigorous academic attitude and the value of historical research. 8. "In the collapse of the Celestial Empire, we saw the end of an era and the difficult birth of a new era." This sentence is full of the vicissitudes of historical changes and expectations for the future. 9. “The collapse of the Celestial Empire was not isolated, it was an inevitable link in the general trend of world historical development.” The author examines this great change in Chinese history from a global perspective. 10. “Those once glorious palaces and temples turned to ashes in the war, symbolizing the end of an era.” This sentence uses symbolism to depict the devastating blow of war to material culture. 11. “The officials of the Celestial Empire have been intoxicated in their own dreams for too long that they have forgotten the cruelty of reality.” The author sharply points out the ignorance and self-deception of Qing officials. 12. “The outbreak of the Opium War was an inevitable collision between two civilizations and two systems.” This sentence profoundly reveals the root cause of the outbreak of the war. 13. “In Mr. Mao Haijian’s writing, those little people forgotten by history also glow with the brilliance of life.” This is a praise for the author’s attention to historical details and humanistic care. 14. “The collapse of the Celestial Empire is not only the decline of a country, but also the eclipse of an ancient civilization on the world stage of history.” This sentence examines the decline of China from the perspective of civilization history. 15. “Although that period of history was painful, it was also an indispensable part of our nation’s growth path.” The author looks at the suffering and growth of history dialectically. 16. “Mr. Mao Haijian used his wisdom and courage to reveal the deepest scars of an era for us.” This is a compliment to the author’s courage and wisdom. 17. “After the smoke of the Opium War cleared, what was left was a devastated country and a nation in urgent need of reflection.” This sentence depicts the miserable scene after the war and the urgency of national reflection. 18. “The collapse of the Celestial Empire is history’s ruthless punishment for blind arrogance and the policy of isolation.” The author directly points out the shortcomings of the Qing Dynasty’s policies and the punishment of history. 19. "By re-studying the Opium War, we can learn lessons from it and provide guidance for the future." This sentence emphasizes the practical significance and guiding role of historical research. 20. "Mr. Mao Haijian's book is not only a profound analysis of history, but also a profound reflection on the present and the future." This is a summary and evaluation of the overall value and significance of the book.

Mao Haijian: A scholar who uncovers the fog of history Mao Haijian, a famous historian, has had a wide-ranging influence in the academic and public sphere with his in-depth research and unique perspective.< This article will comprehensively introduce this outstanding historian from the aspects of personal basic information, education and professional background, writing career, work style and theme, personal life, social influence, citations and evaluations, and latest developments.

1.< Personal basic information Mao Haijian, male, was born in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China in 1954.

He is a scholar who focuses on the study of modern Chinese history, especially the Opium War.< 2.

Education and professional background Mao Haijian graduated from the History Department of Nanjing University and went to Harvard University in the United States for further studies and obtained a doctorate in history.< After returning to China, he taught at Nanjing University and served as the dean of the History Department.

In addition, he has served as a visiting scholar at many universities in the United States, Britain, Japan and other countries.< 3.

Writing career Mao Haijian's writing career began in the 1980s.< His research areas mainly focus on modern Chinese history, especially the Opium War.

His book "The Collapse of the Celestial Empire: A Re-study of the Opium War (Revised Edition)" is one of his representative works.< The book deeply analyzes the historical background, process and impact of the Opium War on Chinese history.

4.< Work style and theme Mao Haijian's works are known for their rigorous academic attitude, detailed historical research and unique perspective.

The themes of his works focus on important events in China's modern history, such as the Opium War and the Xinhai Revolution, aiming to reveal the deep-seated causes and social impacts behind historical events.< 5.

Personal life Mao Haijian's personal life is relatively low-key.< He devotes most of his time and energy to historical research and teaching.

He loves reading and is passionate about history, which makes him enjoy a high reputation in both academia and the public.< 6.

Social impact Mao Haijian's research results have a profound impact on the study of modern Chinese history.< His works are not only well received in the academic community, but also provide readers with a way to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history.

His views and research results have been cited and evaluated by authoritative media, experts and institutions many times.< 7.

Quotes and comments Mao Haijian's book "The Collapse of the Celestial Empire: A Re-study of the Opium War (Revised Edition)" was evaluated by the People's Daily as "a masterpiece with important academic value and practical significance".< In addition, many historians and experts have also highly praised his research results, believing that his research provides a new perspective and thinking for understanding China's modern history.

8.< Latest developments Mao Haijian is still continuing his academic research and teaching work.

He pays attention to many fields of modern Chinese history and constantly publishes new research results.< At the same time, he also actively participates in academic exchange activities at home and abroad to promote the development of Chinese historical research.

In short, Mao Haijian is an outstanding historian, and his research results and works provide us with valuable perspectives and thinking for understanding China's modern history.< His rigorous academic attitude and unique research methods have made his works have a wide impact in both academia and the public.