Imperialism, Nationalism, and Civil War Flashcards
What are the 12 most central arguments of the “From Empire to People’s Republic” reading ?
- Centralization of Power: The first significant concept is the centralization of power initiated by Qin Shi Huangdi, the leader of the Qin state, in the early second century BCE. This centralized empire temporarily subdued the political centrifugal forces inherent in Chinese feudalism. However, tensions between the central government and regional/local authorities remained a persistent issue throughout the history of the Chinese empire and into the Republic period (1912-1949).
- Influence of Confucianism: The second important concept is the influence of Confucianism on Chinese governance. During the Han dynasty, there was a shift towards adopting the ideas and approach to governance advocated by Confucius (Kong Fuzi), who lived in the late fifth century BCE. The Han dynasty established a rudimentary civil service examination system that placed a strong emphasis on testing mastery of Confucianism. This system became a unifying force in Chinese society, providing ideological and cultural unity.
- Interaction with Non-Han Peoples: The third significant concept is the ongoing interaction between Han Chinese within the Great Wall and non-Han peoples, such as Mongols, Manchus, and Turkic groups, beyond the Wall. This interaction involved periods of conflict, including raids and invasions, as well as periods of Chinese expansion into steppe lands. Over time, this dynamic evolved into a complex “dialogue” of power, with outsiders ruling parts of North China. This history has shaped the Chinese government’s policies towards ethnic minorities in the early twenty-first century.
- The Challenges Faced by Self-Strengtheners: The text discusses the efforts of the self-strengtheners in China, who sought to modernize the country in response to foreign threats. They established institutions like the Zongli Yamen to oversee diplomatic, educational, and technological efforts. However, they faced resistance from conservative elements in the imperial court who were apprehensive about the impact of Western contact on Chinese traditions.
- Imperial Losses and Foreign Threats: The text highlights significant territorial losses suffered by China in the late 19th century, including the Ryukyu Islands, Vietnam, and Korea, which were considered important tributary states. These losses were attributed to aggressive actions by Japan and France, indicating a new wave of imperialism. The Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895, in which China suffered a humiliating defeat, is particularly emphasized.
- The Hundred Days Reform and Kang Youwei’s Influence: The text introduces the Hundred Days Reform of 1898, a movement to reform state institutions led by the scholar-official Kang Youwei. He advocated for radical institutional change, and his reinterpretation of Confucianism played a crucial role in challenging traditional beliefs. The reform agenda included revamping the examination system, establishing a national school system, and modernizing various aspects of governance.
- The Era of Warlordism: After the death of Yuan Shikai, China descended into a period of chaos known as the Warlord Era. Warlords, provincial leaders with significant military power, vied for control of the government and Beijing. This era was marked by political instability, corruption, and violence.
- The May Fourth Movement: The May Fourth Movement, which took place in 1919, was a significant intellectual and cultural revolution. It emerged in response to the unfair treatment of China in the aftermath of World War I and the Versailles Peace Conference. The movement advocated for political and cultural change, including the adoption of more democratic principles and the rejection of traditional Confucian values.
- The Rise of Mao Zedong and the Chinese Soviet Republic: Mao Zedong’s leadership in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Chinese Soviet Republic in the Jiangxi-Fujian border area. This region became a base for experimentation with land reform and class struggle, with the recognition that the peasant class was a key force for revolutionary change.
- Mao’s Land Reform and the Long March: Mao Zedong’s land reform policies and the subsequent Long March were pivotal events in the early history of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Land reform sparked violence and unrest, and the Long March was a 370-day forced march covering about six thousand miles, leading to the survival of only about 10 percent of those who participated.
- Japanese Aggression and Chinese Resistance: The text highlights Japan’s aggressive expansion in Asia, particularly in Korea and Manchuria, leading to conflicts with China. Chiang Kai-shek’s initial attempts to resist Japan were hindered by internal divisions and a lack of military strategy. The war with Japan resulted in significant atrocities, including the infamous Rape of Nanjing, and led to collaborationist regimes in certain areas.
- Factors Leading to Communist Victory: The CCP’s success in the Chinese Civil War was influenced by a combination of military strategy, mass mobilization, and pragmatic approaches to local situations. The CCP effectively mobilized the masses through tactics like class struggle, struggle meetings, and land reform. Their pragmatic strategy recognized the importance of understanding specific locales and building coalitions with local leaders to gain support.
- Describe the foreign encroachment on China by foreign powers and the reasons behind this method.
- Qin empire too powerful and too big to actually colonize, so France, UK draft treaties which will advantage them to impose their influence.
- This is a form of quasi-colonization used to have economic connections and extra territorial rights as these areas would not be under Chinese law.
- What was the consequence of this foreign influence ?
Consequence: movement to strengthen China and nationalist resistance.
China comes up with new ideas and ideologies on how to confront imperialism while also trying to stay away from Western methods and ideals.
This reflection is driven by thinkers with international experience.
Goal = stay strong, be stronger while staying Chinese.
- What happens to China following WW1 and how does this encourage Japan as a colonial power ?
The territories under German rule are given to Japan.
Japan was already becoming a rising and expansionist power. Beat Russia in 1904-1905 to the colonization of Korea and China.
Japan rules China until 1945.
Still was more powerful, had control over the Korean war.
Japan’s state has a strong economy, is science and technology driven.
- How did the Russian Revolution of 1917 influence China ?
The birth of the Soviet Union brings forth Communism as a practical ideology, new organized structure as a response to imperial powers or industrialization. - this is the answer China was looking for.
Contrary to Marx, not a fatality, but rather believe like Lenin that strong groups should organize the transition.
Communist International (ComIntern) offer China funds, networks, training and tactics for revolution through direct training with (for example) Moscow’s Communist University.
- How did the WW2 affect China ?
Japan had tried and succeeded to take over China during China’s Civil War.
Conflict between Communist Party and KMT on the back burner during Japan invasion, front commun.
After WW2, when Japan surrenders in 1945, Civil War reignited and the communist win.
Why did the Qing empire fall?
- Drained funds by revolts - tested legitimacy and challenged unity
- Dissolved power made it difficult to enforce central authority.
- Rising popular discontent.
- Calls for a strong independent nation.
- Japan and West interventions.
Feb. 12th, fall of the empire.
What followed the fall of the Qing Empire ?
Sun Yat-sen: nationalism through the Kuomintang (nationalist party).
However, weak footing, (dissociated and still foreign influence). Yuan Shikai takes over, declares and empire, but dies in 1916.
When and what was the warlord era ?
From 1916 to 1926, warlord era. There is a fight for central power, there are 6 presidents and 25 cabinets since the country is divided in lord factions.
All these forces have military power.
Chiang Kai-shek takes the KMT army as he wants to unify China.
Describe and date the beginning of the communist party’s influence in China.
Begins in 1921, ComIntern works with the CCP and the KMT, suggest to unite forces to force out Japan and foreign influence and address other issues later.
At this time, the KMT is larger in numbers than the CCP.
What occurred in Shanghai in 1927 ?
The KMT purges the communists of Shanghai, it is called the Shanghai massacre. At this time, the PCC is very present in the countryside, but still underground in urban China.
What is the Long March and what is its main consequence ?
Begins in 1944 until 1945, 86 000 people supporting the communist group march through China while being attacked, only 8000 make it to the end of the March.
Throughout this march, Mao emerges as the leader of the party.
However, at this point, Japan is still influential in China: the KMT and CCP try a united front, grants this collective army millions of soldiers.
Once Japan leaves, united front is over, 1949 - the KMT flees to Taiwan who is intaking 2M mainlanders.
In 1949, the Republic of China becomes the People’s Republic of China, and the communist party is the head authority.
Why didn’t China invade Taiwan in 1949 to attack the KMT ?
The Korean War. 1M Chinese soldiers were sent to help Korea. The war was said to be to “assist Korea and resist America”.
By participating, the US “placed” a conflict between China and Taiwan.
