French engineers in China (1840-1911), examples from Arts et Métiers graduates

Wen Wen

Sorbonne Université 

Amphi Pinel

ABSTRACT

During the late Qing dynasty (1840-1911), a significant number of French engineers embarked on journeys to various regions of the Chinese Empire. Coming from diverse backgrounds, they assumed varied and evolving roles in Franco-Chinese relations. Initially, military engineers held dominance, but they gradually ceded ground to engineers from the state civil corps and civilian engineers who assumed multifaceted roles in commerce and industry. Concurrently, many military engineers entered private commercial ventures, which were expanding and diversifying. Among these engineers were numerous former students of the Arts et Métiers schools. These “gadzarts” accomplished impressive infrastructural projects within the Chinese Empire, leaving behind them a rich historical legacy. 

BIOGRAPHY 

Wen WEN, PhD in history of Sorbonne University. Her doctoral thesis was titled Les ingénieurs français et le développement économique de la Chine (1840-1911) [French Engineers and the Economic Development of China (1840-1911)].