Railroading in the People's Republic of China

Ben Spohn Interviews  Dr. Ben Kletzer, Assistant Professor of East Asian history at Marshall University about his ongoing work on the history of Chinese Railroads and how China's state run railway system connects to Hagley's holdings on the Pennsylvania Railroad.

In this broad ranging conversation on Chinese railroad history Ben Kletzer discusses one of China's major developmental issues of the mid 20th century: How do you balance the country's need for a developed railway system with the needs of a rapidly developing manufacturing base when both sectors are dependent on difficult to access coal and copper deposits? Kletzer also discusses his recent research on a Japanese built, American style locomotive testing facility located in the city of Dalian, China which closed in September of 2022.

Kletzer is a returning guest to Hagley History Hangout who listeners and viewers may remember from his first episode released in 2021. In support of his work, Dr. Kletzer received funding from the Center for the History of Business, Technology, and Society at the Hagley Museum and Library. 

To make a donation underwriting this program and others like it please visit our donations page.