A lucid introduction to the history of modern China from the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 through to the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Within a chronological framework the author explores the forces of nationalism, modernisation and change in a period of revolution, occupation and civil war. Two thematic chapters look at social change through the period (in particular, the status of women) and education and the student movement. Written by the editor of the best-selling survey,Eastern Asia, this is an ideal text for anyone tackling the complexities of Chinese history for the first time.