This Is How History Should Be Learned: Modern Chinese History

How History Should Be Studied is a history book for young readers written by Zhao Lijian, a senior history teacher at Beijing No. 4 High School. It is suitable for students aged 8 to 16, from the upper grades of elementary school through junior high. Following the framework of the history curriculum, the author traces a timeline from China's early legendary age to the eve of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Rich historical sources, vivid figures, and engaging stories come together to teach readers how to study history. The book helps readers move beyond rote memorization, build up their historical knowledge through everyday study, develop an interest in history, think historically, and strengthen their academic skills. This volume covers the historical changes from the First Opium War in 1840 to the eve of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Readers will learn why the Beiyang Fleet was completely wiped out, why the Hundred Days' Reform lasted only 103 days, about the revolution that buried more than 2,000 years of imperial rule, the three stages of the War of Resistance Against Japan, and the War of Liberation. It also introduces the Opium Wars, the Self-Strengthening Movement, the Hundred Days' Reform, the New Culture Movement, the War of Resistance Against Japan, and the War of Liberation.