France and Germany in the South China Sea, c. 1840-1930

Focusing on the interplay between imperial power and transnational commerce, this book examines the dynamics of shipowners and merchants in the South China Sea from 1840 to 1930. It highlights the significance of British Hong Kong and French Indochina as economic hubs, detailing how merchant steamers facilitated the movement of goods and people across the region. By analyzing the roles of French and German companies, the work challenges traditional colonial narratives and illustrates the broader impact of globalization and international business networks.