Description
Uncover the transformative narrative of the colonial era with 'Distant Shores', a groundbreaking book that reshapes our understanding of China's maritime history. This scholarly work by Melissa Macauley dives into the complexities of southeastern China, particularly the Chaozhou region, demonstrating how its economic expansion paralleled that of European colonial ambitions during the Industrial Revolution and into the Great Depression. With a focus on the Chaozhouese people, Macauley shares how their unique cultural, ritualistic, and economic practices allowed them to thrive in overseas markets without establishing formal colonial governance. Instead, they created a vast network of familial and commercial relationships, connecting cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong, highlighting their integral role in global trade. This illustrates that far from diverging from European modernity, China was actively participating in vital colonial exchanges that fueled capital accumulation and regional development. 'Distant Shores' is an essential read for historians, students, and all those interested in Asian studies, economic history, and colonial studies, providing key insights into how transoceanic migration shaped modern economies. Experience history through the lens of the Chaozhouese and explore how their labor and ingenuity contributed to the global maritime landscape.