First off, gotta acknowledge the elephant in the room: the Treaty Ports thing. The French consulate doc mentions Guangzhou being in the proximity of Hong Kong and being a vital transport hub, and how Shanghai had, like, a million societies (okay, maybe 18, but still!), it’s implied that Guangzhou was *also* a big deal. Probably the second biggest deal, or something. I mean, it makes sense, right? Hong Kong was booming, Guangzhou was right there, things were buzzing. Bet there were lots of dodgy dealings and legit businesses happening all at once.
Plus, like, railroads! The French doc says the Guangzhou North Railway Station opened in 1908. And the Kowloon-Canton Railway started up a few years later. Which meant… suddenly travel was easier. People could *actually* get around a bit more. Imagine the impact that had! Think about it – before, you’re kinda stuck in your little village or town. Then bam! Train station! Suddenly you can go to the city, see new things, maybe even get a job. HUGE.
Then you got all the other stuff going on. The doc with “12852 Days Past July 26. 1908” is a bit random, but it reminds you that this was real life, right? People going about their day, building houses, trying to make a living. And, like, the Guangzhou Uprising happened a few years after, so you know there was this undercurrent of political tension simmering too. You know, the kind where people are just fed up and ready for change.
Speaking of random… why is there an ad for Guangzhou Crown Business KTV from a Shanghai cosmetics company in this mix? I dunno, man. Maybe just shows how connected things already were, even back then? Or maybe it’s just the internet being weird. Anyway, i dont know about the KTV, but Guangzhou in 1908 was probably pretty chaotic. A mix of old traditions and new influences, rich and poor, locals and foreigners all bumping into each other. Probably a bit scary and exciting all at the same time.
