【正文】
lieve it will be my lifetime pleasure. I thank all menters and attendees from academic conferences in which I participated. Their revising suggestions clarified my research approaches, interesting me in academia. I enjoy the interaction with such knowledgeable and modest historians and dream of being one of them. This research received funding from the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement of SUNY Albany’s Undergraduate Research Grants and the History Department’s Research Travel Award. The History Department also awards this thesis William T. Reedy Prize. I extend my gratitude to their recognition and support. My dearest family gave me the most reliable backing. My mother, Yuan You, educates me anytime and sponsors my study abroad. My father, Wei Zhang, never misses any of my highlights and reminds me when I am arrogant. Papa and Mama, I love you. Finally, I dedicate this thesis to my grandfather, whose name is Ruchun You. Ruchun means “l(fā)ike spring” in Chinese. Unfortunately, he left us last summer when I searched archives in New York City. He taught me resilience and getting along with people. He would always stay in spring and bless our family.