Directions in Taiwan’s Historical Study: An Analysis of History Journal Articles, 1945-2000

Abstract

Since 1945, history studies in Taiwan have been primarily influenced by three factors: (1) the Japanese colonial legacy; (2) the continuance of modern Chinese historiography from the mainland; and (3) the importation of Western historiography. As a result of interactions of various historiographies, diversification characterizes Taiwan`s historical study. A number of research articles have discussed this characteristic, yet there has not been a comprehensive study. One of the ways to explore the development of history studies in Taiwan after 1945 is to study its historians, academic institutions and publications, master`s and doctoral theses, and academic journals. The major function of historical journals is to disseminate new knowledge and to exchange academic ideas. All together eight history journals in Taiwan are studied in this article: Continent Magazine (Dalu zazhi), Youth Quarterly (Youshi xuezhi), Thought and Words (Si yu yan), Chinese Cultural Renaissance Monthly (Zhonghua wenhua fuxing yuekan), Shih-huo Monthly (Shi huo), Bulletin of the Historical Association of the Republic of China (Zhongguo lishi xuehui shixue jikan), Chinese Historical Review (Shixue pinglun), and New History (Xin shixue). Using quantitative analysis, this article is an attempt to study their content and interests, summarize the historical theories and methodologies introduced in them, and discuss the direction of historiographical trends in Taiwan from 1945 to 2000.