本文以時間為縱軸，探討基隆自歷史記載至日治時期，從漁村蛻變為國際港口都市的過程。除了重整日治以前的基隆歷史發展外，並針對日本殖民政府對基隆的施政與改造作深入探討。基隆雖在十七世紀就被國際勢力所注意，但在清帝國統治下的發展緩慢；雖然富藏煤礦以及港口位置尚優，但國家力量始終沒有深入地方社會，使得在日治以前的發展仍是以傳統的漁業社會為主。1895年日本殖民統治臺灣後，為了將基隆作為臺灣與日本間的輸出入港口，進行了一連串的土地調查、築港建設，並投入大量的人物力從事港務、鐵公路等交通建設，將基隆港規劃為臺日航線的主要港口；更透過日資與官方的合作，發展基隆的漁業、礦業以及工業等產業，使基隆從傳統的漁港轉變為近代化的國際貿易港口。基隆市街也配合港口建設實施了一連串的市區改正計畫。1924年底基隆改制為市，成為名副其實的近代化都市。

This paper explores the development of Keelung from a fishing port to a major seaport city in Taiwan. It examines not only the history before the period of Japanese colonial rule, but also looks into Keelung's adminiatration and redevelopment by the Japanese Empire. In the 17th century, Keelung was tardy in developing under the Qing dynasty rule, though many imperialists were interested in her large coal mines and profitable location. After 1895, the Japanese Empire began a series of land inspections, port constructions, and widespread development of transportation. Keelung became the main port in communicating with Taiwan and Japan at that time. With cooperation between the government officials in Taiwan and in the Japanese capital, they made efforts in improving fishery, mining, and industry in Keelung. Keelung had transformed into a national trading port from a traditional fishing port. Moreover, the Japanese Empire projected a town renewal plan and put it into practice in order to match up the projects of port constructions. By the end of 1924, Keelung was promoted to city status, subordinated to Taipei country, establishing her position as a modernizing and urbanizing city from a fishing village.