1896 Li Hongzhang visited the United States, and 500,000 Americans took to the streets to watch it, and it also made the front page of The New York Times. Why is it so sensational?

According to historical records, we can know that the above description is true. The reasons for such a sensation include: China was poor and weak at that time, but it was profitable, and the United States had a strong demand for cooperation with China; The American people are curious about Li Hongzhang's visit to the United States; Media publicity and reporting.

At the end of Qing Dynasty, China's national strength declined, and countries tried to carve up China to gain benefits. Britain and France launched opium wars one after another, and the Qing government had to cede territory to pay reparations. Then the big countries followed suit, and there was an intention to carve it up completely.

In those days, it was not easy to be a good official. From 65438 to 0896, Li Hongzhang visited the United States to learn the experience of social development. This caused a great sensation at that time, with 500,000 people taking to the streets, which was also reported on the front page of the new york Times. The reason is:

Americans are interested in China's foreign measures because they can benefit from them. Smart Americans, after making a lot of money through unequal treaties, intend to achieve it through seemingly reasonable and equal "cooperation" to avoid condemnation from the people of the world. This reflects the interests of the United States, and Li Hongzhang's visit to the United States is the best opportunity to get to know China.

Moreover, due to the underdevelopment of science and technology, countries are far away, mainly relying on ships, while China and the United States are located on both sides of the ocean. It is even rarer for senior officials from China to come to the United States. Besides, the American people generally have a sense of curiosity about this eastern country, because it has a 5,000-year civilization and an unbearable modern history.

The third point is media coverage. Today, current political hot spots are always the first point that the media should grasp, and of course the timeliness is also the same. If we can catch the explosive news of Li Hongzhang's visit to the United States at the first time, it will certainly increase its influence in society, expand its market share and realize its further expansion. Based on this, the media also joined Li Hongzhang's visit to the United States.