Core Insights - The article discusses the transition from a silver-based monetary system to a gold standard in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, highlighting China's unique position as a major user of silver during this period [3][4][5] - It emphasizes the complex interactions between global monetary changes and China's economic decline, illustrating how foreign powers influenced China's monetary system for their own economic benefits [6][8] Group 1: Historical Context - In the late Ming Dynasty, the demand for a stable currency grew due to the flourishing commodity economy, leading to silver becoming the dominant form of currency in China [4] - The Qing Dynasty faced a chaotic monetary system with multiple currencies in circulation, which hindered economic development and increased transaction costs [5] Group 2: Foreign Influence - Foreign powers, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, intervened in China's monetary system, using various means to control and influence it for their own economic interests [6][8] - The establishment of foreign banks, such as HSBC, played a significant role in shaping China's silver trading and financial operations, reflecting the passive position of China's monetary system in the international economic landscape [6] Group 3: Reform Efforts - The Nationalist government attempted significant monetary reforms in the early 20th century, including the introduction of the "National Currency" and the abandonment of the silver standard, which aimed to centralize currency issuance and stabilize the economy [7] - Although these reforms faced challenges, they marked a crucial step towards modernizing China's monetary system and ending the reliance on silver [7] Group 4: Conclusion and Implications - The end of the silver era in China illustrates both historical inevitability and contingency, driven by external interventions and internal modernization needs [8] - The study of this period provides valuable insights into the importance of a stable and autonomous monetary system for national economic development, especially in the context of globalization [9]

▌路雅璇 《中国与白银时代的终结1873—1937》 （美）奥斯丁·迪恩 著 葛宇亮 译 社会科学文献出版社 《中国与白银时代的终结1873—1937》深入了剖析列强之间的竞争与中国当时的政治局势对中国白银时 代的影响。作者将中国史、美国史、经济史和世界史融合探究，不仅考察了清政府、北洋政府及南京国 民政府在构建现代货币体系上的尝试，还揭示了国际白银市场如何成为列强干预中国经济的重要工具。 全球货币体系变革与中国白银经济衰落是一场复杂的互动，这场互动不断揭示着中国与世界经济体系的 相互影响和相互作用。 明朝中后期，随着商品经济的蓬勃发展，民间市场对于一种稳定可靠的货币产生了迫切需求。当时正处 于大航海时代，大量白银涌入中国，其稳定的币值以及便于携带和分割的特性，使得白银逐渐从众多商 品中脱颖而出，取代了纸钞与铜钱，成为市场上广泛流通的货币。万历年间实施的一条鞭法，规定各种 赋役可以用白银缴纳，这一举措不仅简化了税收流程，还进一步确立了白银在税收体系中的合法地位， 从而让白银在市场中的重要性愈发凸显。 晚清以来，中国市场上流通着多种货币，包括银两、银元、铜钱、铜元、银行券和私票等，货币体系十 分混乱。不同地区、 ...