Abstract

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Title:: European Historical Theories and Chinese History Studies in Early 20th Century: Exemplified by Otto Franke's Research on Wang An'shi

Keywords:: early 20th century; Otto Franke; historicism; Chinese history studies; Wang An'shi; state socialism

Abstract:: Chinese historical studies in Europe underwent significant changes at the turn of the 20th century, heavily influenced by the maturation of European Historiography in the 19th century. European historical theories played a crucial role in shaping a new research paradigm in Chinese history studies, which placed emphasis on addressing historical questions, employing rigorous textual criticism, and utilizing social science theories as analytical tools. Otto Franke, who was a representative of the new generation sinologist in early 20th century, introduced theories and methods from European Historicism into Chinese history studies. His research on Wang An'shi clearly showed the features of this new research paradigm. He proposed a theory that the state socialism ideology had once appeared in Chinese history. By means of the observation of political elites such as Wang An'shi, he traced the outward manifestations of the ideology in Chinese history and exposited its influence on contemporary China.