A Modern History of Hong Kong

This major new history of Hong Kong tells the remarkable story of how a cluster of remote fishing villages grew into an icon of capitalism. The story began in 1842 with founding of the Crown Colony after the First Anglo-Chinese war—the original ‘Opium War’. As premier power in Europe and an expansionist empire, Britain first created in Hong Kong a major naval station and the principal base to open the Celestial Chinese Empire to trade. Working in parallel with the locals, the British built it up to become a focus for investment in the region and an international centre with global shipping, banking and financial interests. Yet by far the most momentous change in the history of this prosperous, capitalist colony was its return in 1997 to ‘Mother China’, the most powerful Communist state in the world.

Steve Tsang, drawing on a vast array of official and private sources, both Chinese and European, traces the development of the classic Crown Colony government with its Governors, elite Administrative Officers and non-elected Executive and Legislative Councils, and British-based legal and education systems. Whilst this structure sheltered and nurtured the astounding economic take-off, the vital engine of this development was the mass-immigration of Chinese—hard-working entrepreneurial, quick to absorb Western ideas while retaining Chinese traditions—blending with expatriate European business interests. The author goes on to examine the effect of the trauma of invasion and defeat at the hands of the Japanese in the Second World War, the stirrings of democracy, the beginnings of Hong Kong identity and the growing influence of China. The story culminates in the saga of the end of the empire with the emotional hauling down of the Union flag and the raising of China’s colours.

Steve Tsang is Louis Cha Fellow and University Reader in Politics at St Antony’s College, Oxford University. He had previously served as Director of the Asian Studies Centre and as Dean at St Antony’s College. He is the author and editor of seven books, including Hong Kong: An Appointment with China

“Steve Tsang’s admirable A Modern History of Hong Kong is clearly written, logically organised, and sustains a tone of persuasive authority.” —Wm Roger Louis, Kerr Chair in English History and Culture and Distinguished Teaching Professor, University of Texas at Austin

“This is a well constructed, thorough and yet succinct history of Hong Kong. It should be on the shelf of everyone interested in the city. For the general reader, this will stimulate further interest. For the experts, enjoy Tsang’s fine style.” —Christine Loh, Civic Exchange

“This is the first serious history of Hong Kong to cover the whole period of British rule, from its first occupation in 1841 to the handover in 1997 . . . . A thorough and well-crafted study which should appeal to the general reader as well as to the specialist . . . . Dr Tsang’s study is likely to remain the best guide for some time to come.” —China Review