近代西方人对“丁戊奇荒”的认识及其背景——《纽约时报》传达的信息

ModernWestern Views on“Dingwu Famine”and Related Background——Information Delivered by New York Times

"丁戊奇荒"是晚清时期一次百年罕见的灾荒,前后持续达四年之久,造成了惨重的后果。长期以来,国内学界主流观点多认为请政府的腐败无能和赈灾不力是造成"丁戊奇荒"伤亡严重的主要原因,而当时以《纽约时报》为代表的西方媒体则将注意力更多地集中于中国基础交通设施的落后,并对清政府的赈灾措施给予了一定程度的肯定。

＂Dingwu Famine＂ is a once--in--a hundred--year famine. It had lasted more than 4 years and led to heavy loss. Traditionally, Chinese scholars blame it on Qing Government. However, western media focused on the backwardness of traffic infrastructure in China and to a certain extent, gave affirmation to the relief measures of Qing Government.