晚清名相沈桂芬宦海事迹评述

On Shen Guifen——A Prominent Prime Minister of the Qing Dynasty

沈桂芬是一个在晚清政治史上有重要影响的人物。他曾为解决旗民生计问题献言献策;担任山西巡抚期间,他严禁烟毒,整顿军队;行走军机后,在清王朝的内政外交活动中发挥重要作用,继文祥之后,成为总理衙门当家大臣。因错用崇厚,致丛众谤;又因在琉球问题上对日妥协而倍受争议。目前学术界对于沈氏的研究与其历史地位极不相称,有进一步详细考察的必要。

Shen Guifen is an influential figure in the political history of late Qing Dynasty. He constantly offered advices to the government concerning the livelihood of qi min. As Shanxi governor,he vigorously prohibited opium trade and strengthened the training of the army. When working in the Grand Council,he also played an important role in Oing government＇s domestic and foreign activities. But later he was widely criticized for the misuse of Chong Hou and his compromise to Japan on the issue of Okinawa. So far,the academic and historical study of Shen can hardly live up to his historical status and need to be furthered.