Historical Issues in China: How to Evaluate Zhang Jian, the No.1 Scholar Industrialist?

Zhang Jian (1853- 1926), a native of Nantong, Jiangsu. Farming and reading from generation to generation. Five brothers, ranked fourth. He was smart and studious when he was young, enlightened at the age of 3, entered school at the age of 4, and recited thousands of words at the age of 5, but there was nothing false. From 1874, he devoted himself to the curtain of Sun Yunjin (then the magistrate of Tongzhou) and Wu Changqing (the general of Huai Army). As Wu's main staff, he participated in military affairs, major decisions and military actions, which won Wu's appreciation. 1885 went to Beijing to take the Shuntian rural exam, ranking second in high school. 1894 won the first prize again. The Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 became a watershed in his life, and the deep national crisis finally prompted him to resolutely give up the traditional way of being an official. In view of the fact that the country is weak and the people are poor, Zhang Jian put forward the slogans of "saving the country through industry" and "saving the country through education", and broke through the resistance to engage in education and industry in his hometown. Since 1895, Sheng Da Textile Company, Kenmu Company, Tongzhou Teachers College, Nantong Museum and other industrial, educational, cultural and popular science undertakings have been established in Nantong. He took advantage of the coastal salt shortage and set up a salt reclamation company to promote cotton planting, which was the first in the country. Nantong Normal School, Tongzhou Women's Normal School, Nantong Museum, etc. , first set the national trend. He improved the learning level of Nantong Special School, expanded the school building, acquired teaching equipment and merged into Nantong University. He readily accepted western civilization and used a large number of foreign talents, but opposed simply "grafting" foreign educational methods. Instead, it advocates strict education in light of the actual situation in China. He believes: "The teacher is strict, and China and foreign countries are on the same track. If not, there is nothing to teach and nothing to learn. ..... All teaching methods should be strict. The way to learn is to be quiet, and the black sheep will be tolerant. " In order to change the customs and prosper local drama, in 19 19, he invited Ou Yangyuqian, a famous director and playwright, to set up a school for cultivating drama talents-Gongling Society, and built a more vulgar theater. The implementation of some civilized regulations in the theater, such as the audience taking their seats according to the number, not littering, not making any noise, etc. It really played a positive role in changing customs. In addition, he also set up a meteorological observatory in Junshan, "on the one hand, it is a place for forecasting and preventing agriculture, on the other hand, it is a place for agricultural students to practice climate." During the First World War, Zhang Jian's enterprise system in Sheng Da developed by leaps and bounds. According to statistics, by 1923, its total capital reached 34.48 million yuan, which was more than 3.5 times that of Shen Xin, Mao Xin and Fuxin enterprises. Since then, influenced by many factors, such as internal and external factors, Nantong's industry has declined. However, Zhang Jian directly initiated and promoted the modernization of Nantong and set an example for the whole country.

Hu Shi commented on Zhang Jian in this way: "Mr. Zhang Jizhi is a great failure hero in the modern history of China, which no one can deny. He has independently opened up countless new roads, been a pioneer for 30 years, supported tens of thousands of people, benefited one side and influenced the whole country. Ding Wenjiang pointed out at Zhang Jian's memorial service: When I was in the United States a few years ago, after the death of former American President Roosevelt, all those who opposed it were praised. When Mr. Zhang dies today, people who disapprove of him on weekdays will pay tribute in unison. " Zhang Jian had a high reputation during the Republic of China, which was inseparable from his outstanding achievements in industry and education in China. It was not until the 1950s that Chairman Mao said, "... (China) has the earliest national light industry, so don't forget Zhang Jian of Nantong" when talking about the development of national industries with Huang Yanpei and Chen Shu, vice chairmen of the National People's Congress. Mr. Zhang Kaiyuan, a contemporary scholar, also pointed out: "In the modern history of China, it is difficult for us to find another person who has done so many things in another county and had such a far-reaching impact." Because of Zhang Jian's special position in Nantong, his name has been closely linked with Nantong.