Assignment Code: BHIE-141/ASST/TMA/2023-2024

Course Code: BHIE-141

Assignment Name: History of China

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Assignment – I

Answer the following in about 500 words each.

Q1) Discuss the factors that contributed to the growth of nationalism in China.

Ans) The growth of nationalism in China can be attributed to a complex interplay of historical, political, and socio-cultural factors. Nationalism in China has evolved over the years, and it continues to shape the country's identity and influence its domestic and international policies.

Historical Legacy and Humiliation: China's history is marked by periods of foreign domination, such as the Opium Wars, the colonization of territories, and the unequal treaties imposed by foreign powers. These historical wounds have deeply influenced Chinese collective memory, creating a sense of national humiliation. This historical legacy has played a significant role in fuelling nationalist sentiments, with many Chinese citizens advocating for the restoration of China's past glory and a rejection of foreign interference.

Chinese Nationalism and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP): The Chinese Communist Party has harnessed nationalism as a powerful tool to maintain its legitimacy and strengthen its grip on power. The CCP's narrative often highlights its role in liberating China from foreign domination and its commitment to national rejuvenation. This has contributed to a strong sense of Chinese identity and loyalty to the party among a significant portion of the population.

Education and Propaganda: The Chinese government has utilized its education system and state-controlled media to promote nationalism. Textbooks emphasize China's historical achievements, portray the country as a victim of foreign aggression, and emphasize the importance of national unity. Nationalist messages are also consistently promoted through state-owned media and propaganda campaigns.

Economic Growth and National Pride: China's rapid economic development and rise as a global economic power have fostered a sense of national pride and confidence among its citizens. The country's economic success is often linked to the idea of a resurgent China, contributing to a strong nationalistic sentiment.

Territorial Disputes: China's territorial disputes, such as those in the South China Sea and with Taiwan, have ignited nationalist fervour. The Chinese government has portrayed these issues as matters of national sovereignty, leading to heightened nationalism and support for a tough stance on territorial claims.

Internet and Social Media: The internet and social media have provided platforms for Chinese citizens to express and share their nationalist views. Online forums and social networking sites have become spaces for individuals to engage in discussions about national pride, sovereignty, and anti-foreign sentiments. The Chinese government has also used social media to promote nationalist narratives and mobilize public opinion.

Anti-Western Sentiment: Incidents involving perceived disrespect or criticism of China by Western governments or media outlets can trigger strong nationalist reactions in China. Nationalist protests and boycotts have occurred in response to perceived slights against China's national interests.

Cultural and Ethnic Factors: China's diverse cultural and ethnic landscape has also played a role in shaping nationalism. The promotion of Han Chinese culture and the suppression of ethnic minority identities in Favor of a more unified Chinese identity have influenced nationalist sentiments. The government's emphasis on unity and the "One China" policy reinforces this idea.

Youth and Patriotism: The younger generation in China, often referred to as the "post-90s" or "post-2000s" generation, has shown a strong sense of patriotism and nationalism. They have grown up in a rapidly changing China and have been exposed to nationalist education and messages from an early age.

Q2) Write a note on the New Cultural Movement in China after 1911. Discuss the role of intellectuals in China’s Cultural Revolution.

Ans) The New Cultural Movement in China, which emerged in the early 20th century following the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, was a pivotal period in Chinese history that witnessed significant intellectual and cultural developments. This movement played a crucial role in shaping modern China and laid the groundwork for the radical cultural and political shifts that followed in the mid-20th century, particularly during the Cultural Revolution.

The New Cultural Movement was a response to the social, political, and intellectual challenges facing China in the aftermath of the Qing Dynasty's collapse. It was characterized by a desire to modernize China, both politically and culturally. Key aspects of the New Cultural Movement include:

Intellectual Awakening: Intellectuals, scholars, and writers played a pivotal role in this movement. They called for the rejection of traditional Chinese values and Confucianism in favour of Western ideals and modernity. Prominent intellectuals like Lu Xun, Chen Duxiu, and Hu Shi were among the leading figures of this movement.

Advocacy for Vernacular Language: The New Cultural Movement promoted the use of vernacular language, or baihua, in place of classical Chinese. This made literature and written works more accessible to the common people, fostering a sense of national identity.

Critique of Tradition: Traditional Chinese values, practices, and social structures were criticized and challenged. The movement sought to break free from the constraints of Confucian ethics and superstition.

Political Reforms: Intellectuals were keen on political reforms, advocating for democracy, constitutionalism, and the establishment of a modern, accountable government.

Feminism: The New Cultural Movement also saw early feminist ideas and women's rights emerging in China. Intellectuals like Qiu Jin and Ding Ling called for gender equality and women's liberation.

Role of Intellectuals in China's Cultural Revolution (1966-1976):

While the New Cultural Movement advocated for a modern and progressive China, the Cultural Revolution, which occurred several decades later, represented a drastic shift in the country's trajectory. The Cultural Revolution, initiated by Mao Zedong in 1966, was a period of radical socio-political upheaval.

a)     Persecution of Intellectuals: During the Cultural Revolution, intellectuals, educators, writers, and artists were often targeted as part of the "Four Olds" campaign, which aimed to eliminate old customs, culture, habits, and ideas. Intellectuals were subjected to persecution, imprisonment, and forced labour.

b)     Denunciation and Struggle Sessions: Many intellectuals were publicly denounced, subjected to struggle sessions, and forced to confess to their supposed "crimes" of intellectualism and bourgeois tendencies. They were often humiliated and physically abused during these sessions.

c)     Disruption of Education: China's education system suffered significantly during the Cultural Revolution. Schools and universities were shut down, and academic pursuits were disrupted. The Red Guards, composed of students and young people, played a central role in attacking intellectuals and dismantling educational institutions.

d)     Suppression of Intellectual Output: Intellectual output, including literature, art, and scholarly works, was heavily censored and suppressed. Writers and artists were required to produce works that aligned with the official ideology of the Communist Party.

e)     Rehabilitation and Reconciliation: After the Cultural Revolution came to an end in 1976, many intellectuals who had been persecuted were rehabilitated, and their works were reevaluated. China gradually shifted towards a more open and reformist stance, allowing for a resurgence of intellectual pursuits.

Assignment – II

Answer the following questions in about 250 words each.

Q3) Analyse the significance of the Opium Wars in the evolution of the Sino-Western relations in the 19th Century.

Ans) The Opium Wars, which took place in the mid-19th century, were of significant importance in shaping Sino-Western relations during that period. These conflicts had far-reaching consequences for China, marking a pivotal point in its interactions with Western powers and influencing the trajectory of modern Chinese history.

Unequal Treaties: The Opium Wars resulted in a series of unequal treaties, the most notable being the Treaty of Nanking (1842) and the Treaty of Tientsin (1856). These treaties imposed harsh terms on China, including territorial concessions, extraterritorial rights for foreign citizens, and substantial indemnities. These concessions severely undermined China's sovereignty and marked the beginning of foreign control and influence in the country.

Foreign Dominance: The Opium Wars paved the way for the expansion of Western imperialism in China. Western powers, particularly the British, established a strong presence in China's major ports and cities. They gained control over key trading areas and established spheres of influence.

Economic Exploitation: The Opium Wars were fundamentally rooted in the opium trade, which was devastating to Chinese society. The wars allowed Western powers to perpetuate this trade, causing widespread addiction and social problems in China. The wars, in essence, served as a catalyst for Western economic interests at the expense of China's well-being.

National Humiliation: The Opium Wars left a lasting mark on the Chinese collective memory, fostering a sense of national humiliation and resentment against Western powers. This sentiment would fuel later movements and decisions aimed at restoring China's national pride and sovereignty.

Emergence of Modernization Efforts: The Opium Wars highlighted the technological and military disparities between China and Western powers. In response, the Chinese government initiated various modernization efforts, including military and administrative reforms, in an attempt to catch up with the West.

Impact on the Qing Dynasty: The Opium Wars weakened the Qing Dynasty, which had already been grappling with internal problems and rebellions. The treaties and foreign concessions further eroded the dynasty's authority and contributed to its eventual downfall.

Q4) Write a note on Confucianism.

Ans) Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system that originated in ancient China and has had a profound and lasting influence on Chinese culture, society, and thought for over two millennia. At its core, Confucianism is based on the teachings and ideas of Confucius (Kong Fuzi or Kongzi), a Chinese philosopher and educator who lived during the Spring and Autumn Period (around 551-479 BCE).

Ethical and Moral Framework: Confucianism provides a comprehensive ethical and moral framework for individuals and society. It emphasizes the cultivation of virtues such as benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), propriety (li), wisdom (zhi), and integrity (xin) as essential for personal and social harmony.

Social Harmony and Filial Piety: Confucianism places great importance on maintaining social harmony. It advocates for respect for authority, especially within the family, and the concept of filial piety, which emphasizes the reverence and duty children owe to their parents and ancestors.

Role-Based Ethics: Confucianism defines ethical behaviour in the context of various roles within society. It prescribes appropriate conduct for rulers and subjects, parents and children, husbands and wives, and friends. Each role is guided by specific moral principles and expectations.

Education and Self-Cultivation: Confucianism underscores the importance of education and self-cultivation. Confucius believed that individuals could improve themselves through learning and that education was essential for moral development.

Rituals and Tradition: Confucianism values rituals and traditional customs as means to express respect and maintain social order. These rituals encompass ceremonies, etiquette, and observances that serve as symbolic acts of reverence and propriety.

Meritocracy and Good Governance: Confucianism has influenced ideas about governance and leadership in Chinese history. It advocates for a meritocratic system where leaders are chosen based on their competence and moral character, rather than hereditary privilege.

Continuity and Adaptability: Confucianism has shown remarkable continuity and adaptability over time. It has weathered various dynastic changes and foreign influences, and it continues to be an integral part of Chinese culture and values.

Global Influence: Beyond China, Confucianism has had a significant impact on East Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. It has also attracted academic and philosophical interest worldwide.

Q5) Discuss the major changes introduced in China under the leadership of Mao Zedong.

Ans) Under the leadership of Mao Zedong, China underwent a series of significant and transformative changes, particularly during his tenure as the founding father of the People's Republic of China from 1949 until his death in 1976. These changes had a profound impact on various aspects of Chinese society and politics.

Land Reforms: Mao's government-initiated land reforms to redistribute land from wealthy landlords to peasants. This move aimed to address land inequality and improve the economic conditions of the rural population.

The Great Leap Forward: Mao launched the Great Leap Forward campaign in the late 1950s, advocating for rapid industrialization and agricultural collectivization. However, the program had disastrous consequences, leading to famine, widespread suffering, and millions of deaths.

The Cultural Revolution: Mao's Cultural Revolution, beginning in 1966, sought to eliminate traditional Chinese culture and capitalist elements from society. It unleashed a wave of political purges, ideological indoctrination, and the persecution of intellectuals and perceived enemies of the Communist Party.

The One-Child Policy: In the late 1970s, China implemented the one-child policy as a means to control population growth. This policy remained in place for decades and had far-reaching consequences on Chinese demographics.

The Establishment of Communes: During the Great Leap Forward, Mao introduced the concept of communes, large collectives where agriculture and labour were centralized. These were intended to improve agricultural productivity, but their inefficiency ultimately led to widespread hardship.

Foreign Policy Shifts: Mao's foreign policy leaned towards the Soviet Union initially, but later he pursued a more independent foreign policy, which included establishing diplomatic relations with the United States in the 1970s.

The Spread of Socialist Ideology: Mao's government promoted Marxist-Leninist ideology and implemented campaigns to encourage class struggle and the study of communist principles.

Healthcare and Education Reforms: Mao's regime expanded access to healthcare and education, especially in rural areas, with the aim of narrowing the urban-rural divide.

The Preservation of Communist Rule: Mao's leadership was instrumental in preserving the dominance of the Chinese Communist Party, solidifying its control over the country, and ensuring the party's continued rule.

The Promotion of Gender Equality: Mao's government introduced policies aimed at improving the status of women in China. Women were encouraged to participate in the workforce and to receive education.

Assignment – III

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.

Q6) Write a note on Confucian philosophy.

Ans) Confucian philosophy, founded by Confucius (Kong Fuzi), is a cornerstone of Chinese thought and culture. It emphasizes moral and ethical values, social harmony, and proper conduct in personal and public life. Key principles include filial piety (respect for parents and ancestors), the cultivation of virtues like benevolence and righteousness, and the importance of rituals and traditions.

Confucianism emphasizes the importance of education and self-improvement, and it has had a profound impact on Chinese society and governance for over two millennia. It remains a vital element of East Asian cultural and philosophical traditions, influencing ethics, family dynamics, and government systems.

Q7) Explain the significance of the Hundred Days Reforms in China.

Ans) The Hundred Days Reforms, launched by Emperor Guangxu and a group of reformist advisors in 1898, aimed to modernize China's political, social, and economic systems. These reforms sought to strengthen the Qing Dynasty, but they faced opposition from conservative forces. The significance of the Hundred Days Reforms lies in their early attempt to address China's deep-seated problems, such as corruption, military weaknesses, and outdated institutions.

Although the reforms were short-lived due to a coup by conservatives, they planted the seeds of modernization, influenced later reform movements, and highlighted the need for fundamental change, paving the way for subsequent transformative events in Chinese history.

Q8) Discuss the impact of New Youth on the Chinese intellectuals.

Ans) The New Youth (Xin Qingnian) movement, a cultural and intellectual revolution in the early 20th century China, profoundly impacted Chinese intellectuals. Launched by Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao, it encouraged critical thinking, modernization, and a revaluation of traditional Chinese values.

The movement challenged Confucianism, advocating for science, democracy, and individualism. It inspired a new generation of intellectuals to question authority, pursue Western ideas, and envision a modern China. The New Youth played a pivotal role in the intellectual foundation for the May Fourth Movement of 1919, which further propelled political and social change in China, including the formation of the Chinese Communist Party.

Q9) Briefly discuss the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution.

Ans) The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, initiated by Mao Zedong in 1966, was a socio-political movement in China. It aimed to eliminate perceived bourgeois and traditional elements, enforce ideological purity, and strengthen the Chinese Communist Party's control. The movement led to widespread political purges, public humiliations, and the persecution of intellectuals, religious groups, and anyone considered counter revolutionary. Schools and universities were shut down, and many suffered during this period of upheaval. The Cultural Revolution ended with Mao's death in 1976, and it left a complex legacy, marked by economic and social disruptions, the suppression of culture, and the loss of countless lives.

Q10) Explain the Commune system.

Ans) The Commune system was a significant social and economic experiment in China during the Great Leap Forward, which occurred in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Under this system, collective farms and rural communes were established to consolidate land and labour resources. The goal was to promote agricultural and industrial productivity.

However, the Commune system often led to inefficiencies, as decision-making was centralized, and incentives for individual initiative were reduced. Food shortages decreased agricultural output, and the spread of communal canteens negatively impacted rural communities. The Commune system was eventually phased out and replaced with the Household Responsibility System in the late 1970s as part of China's economic reforms.