Peter Zarrow Boeken

A major study of how Chinese school textbooks shaped social, cultural, and political trends in the late imperial and Republican period.

Over the first half of the twentieth century, the lives of millions of urban Chinese were transformed by new ideas, new objects, new jobs, new leisure pursuits, new forms of transportation, new architecture: in a word, new «life-styles» and habits of mind. What did these changes mean to ordinary people? The essays in this book examine how prevailing discourses - on nationalism, feminism, democracy, individualism, socialism, and the like - emerged and were absorbed into the lived experiences and material culture of ordinary Chinese. Only from intimate personal experiences with forces ranging from war, revolution, and state-building to advertising blitzes and boycotts was Chinese modernity forged, forged out of «forces» larger than individuals but simultaneously observed, interpreted, adapted, and absorbed by those individuals.

Set against the backdrop of the 1895 military defeat of the Great Qing Empire by Japan, the narrative explores the profound impact of this loss on China. It ignited radical reform proposals and a wave of disillusionment with the Qing government among the elite. This pivotal moment catalyzed a five-decade movement aimed at strengthening the state, democratizing the political system, and fostering a more equitable and unified society. The book delves into the complexities of these reforms and their lasting significance in Chinese history.

This work provides insightful analyses of contemporary Chinese political ideologies, exploring their development and implications in today's society. It delves into the evolution of political thought in China, examining how historical contexts and cultural factors shape current governance and political discourse. By presenting diverse viewpoints, the book encourages readers to reconsider traditional narratives and understand the complexities of China's political landscape.