A silver halide photographic material containing a hydrazine derivative of the general formula (I):
wherein R 1 is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, is developed with high contrast by the use of an aqueous alkaline developer having a pH value of 10.5to 12.3 and comprising the following components (1) through (5):

(1) a dihydroxybenzene type developing agent;
(2) a p-aminophenol type developing agent;
(3) at least 0.3 mol/l of a sulfite preservative;
(4) 0.05 to 0.30 mol/l of an alkanolamine of the general formula (II):
where R 2 is a hydroxyalkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; and
( 5 ) 10- 4 to 10 -2 mol/l of a mercapto compound of the general formula (III);
where M 1 and M 2 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom or an ammonium group;
whereby a negative image of high contrast may be formed on said photographic material.