Download Themes Dynasties

ASIA 110: Introduction to Asia (China)
Instructor: Jennifer Lundin Ritchie
Final Exam Study Guide
Important Things to Understand / Remember
Themes
1. Historiography: critical thinking about history
What kinds of source materials can we use to learn history?
What kinds of questions can we ask to determine if a source is reliable? When there are conflicting
accounts, how do we determine what/who to believe?
e.g. Who wrote the account? What status do they have? What is their relationship to the subject of the
account? What are their biases? (conscious? unconscious?) What are their motivations for writing the
way they did? What are they trying to accomplish?
What can repeating patterns tell us about the reliability of historical accounts? What are some examples
of repeating patterns have we found throughout China’s history?
2. China Geography: maps, borders, crops, rivers
Can you distinguish the different dynasties on a map?
Can you recognize major geographical features, like: rivers, plateus, the Great Wall, the Grand Canal?
Can you identify the areas inhabited by different ethnic groups, like: the Mongols, the Tibetans, the
Manchus, the Uighurs?
3. Writing: materials, script styles, topics
materials: oracle bones (ox bones, turtle shells), bronzes (molten metal in clay moulds), bamboo (strips)
& brush (horsehair), silk (material) & brush, stone seals (carved stone) & ink, paper (wood pulp) & brush,
wood block printing (wood blocks), modern printing press, electronic (computers/internet)
scripts : oracle bone script, bronze script, bamboo and silk script, seal script, Jurchen script, cursive script,
movable type, Mongol scripts, Manchu script, simplified Chinese, computer fonts
how did the writing materials affect the shape and style of the script?
how did the era’s philosophy affect the shape and style of the script?
how did the era’s circumstances or philosophy influence the topics that were being written about?
4. Culture: arts, dance, artefacts, architecture, customs, etc.
5. Intellectual History: philosophy, religion, comparisons
6. Rulership: virtue vs. force, politics, techniques, comparisons
7. Influence of foreigners: politics, religion, culture, trade/economics, e.g. Jurchens, Mongols, Uighurs, Tibetans,
Indians, Europeans, Japanese, Americans, Central Asians
Dynasties
Prehistory
evidence of homo erectus:
bones, ash (fire), tools, foods (hunted deer and gathered seeds/nuts)
found in North area of China and South area of China
proves theory that there was a stage of humans between apes and modern man (homo sapiens)
lived about 1.7 – 0.5 million years ago
evidence of Neolithic humans:
food (pigs, millet, fish), houses (of earth, later earth and wood), burial practices, pottery, bronze
pottery improved: from hand-made to potter’s wheel and kiln
found around the Yellow River area
lived about 7000 – 1500 BCE
these people might have later become the Shang and/or Xia dynasty
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
ASIA 110: Introduction to Asia (China)
Instructor: Jennifer Lundin Ritchie
Age of Mythology
1. Early Creation myths
stories of how the earth/China was made and ordered
e.g. Fuxi and Nuwa (mankind), The Yellow Emperor (government), Shennong (agriculture), the sage
kings Yao, Shun, Yu (model rulers)
before 2070 BCE
these stories are the only evidence of these events
2. The Three Dynasties: Xin, Shang Zhou
until recently, historians thought these dynasties were mythological, now some evidence they were real
Xia: no evidence the Xia dynasty existed, other than stories which were written in the later Zhou
Shang: oracle bones, bronze drinking vessels, Lady Fu Hao’s tomb are evidence Shang existed
purpose of the writing on the oracle bones was to make predictions for the king
can we trust what is written on the oracle bones? Why?
purpose of the writing on the bronzes was to praise the king or celebrate an event
can we trust what is written on the bronzes? Why?
Lady Fu Hao and King Fing Wu led a martial dynasty: chariots, weapons, sacrifices, symptoms of
lead poisoning from the bronze drinking vessels (aggressive, irritable, reduced body sensations)
last ruler of the Shang (King Xin) depicted as wicked bad ruler. Can we trust this account? Why?
Zhou: lots of evidence it existed, incl. bronzes, stories written at that time, bamboo books like The
Shijing (Book of Poetry), The Shang Shu (The Book of History), The Yi Jing (Book of Changes)
purpose of the writing on the bronzes was to glorify the ruler or celebrate an event. Can we trust what
is written on the bronzes? Why?
the bamboo books were impersonal: third person, often anonymous, about political events, glorifying
the Zhou, common life themes (marriage, work, war), or for divination. Can we trust what is written
in these books? Why?
W Zhou
capital was in the West
first ruler of the W Zhou (King Wu) depicted as a sage king, defeated the Shang because Heaven decreed
Shang were immoral, Shang armies “turned the weapons on themselves” (killed themselves)
Can we trust this account? Why?
first ruler (King Wu) ruled through virtue: gave family members high posts, held control through
alliances
first ruler (King Wu) died, son was too young too rule, Wu’s brothers fought over rule, weakened state
many states and tribes allied together to overthrow the last W Zhou ruler
last Zhou ruler (King You) depicted as wicked bad ruler. Can we trust this account? Why?
E Zhou
capital was in the East
2 periods: Spring and Autumn Period, and Warring States Period
1. Spring and Autumn
Zhou state had rule
BUT many other states getting stronger acting independent of Zhou rule, e.g. Chu and Qin states
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
ASIA 110: Introduction to Asia (China)
Instructor: Jennifer Lundin Ritchie
2. Warring States
Zhou lost all control over other states, other states become independent and start warring
warfare became much larger scale, longer, all members of society
Qin had strong military and politics, mountains made it easy to defend
Chu had high culture, lots of food, good technology, own money and language
Qu Yuan: a minister who warned that Qin would defeat Chu, ignored, wrote mournful poetry in the
Chuci (Songs of the South) about his situation, drowned himself
dragon boat festival in his honor
100 Schools of Thought:
life is chaotic = search for new ideas to solve problems
philosophers: Confucius, Laozi, Mozi, Zhuangzi, Mencius, Xunzi, Hanfeizi
which philosophy did each philosopher advocate (believe in)?
worldview: describe each philosopher in 1 word
what are the views of these philosophers on: Ritual (Li), Expenditure ($), Government service, Filial
Piety/partiality, Learning, Heaven, “The Way,” using force vs. virtue?
can we trust that their book represents the true views of the philosopher? Why?
Qin
Qin defeated Chu and all other states, unified them into one country
King of Qin became “First Emperor” (the modern name “China” comes from “Qin”)
Legalism (Li Si): strict laws and harsh punishments, rule by force and fear
standardized: script (seal script), weights/measures, thought (banned 100 Schools, esp Confucians)
built many public works using conscript labour, e.g. Great Wall, roads, canals
searched for immortality, poisoned by mercury (aggression, paranoia, death)
Qin era plaques say he was a great emperor; Han era writings say he was a crazy and terrible ruler
can we trust these accounts? Why?
What is your opinion of the Qin Emperor? Give 3 pieces of evidence to support your opinion.
First Emperor died, son too weak to rule, rebellions led to Chu-Han War: Xiang Yu (Chu aristocrat)
vs Liu Bang (Han commoner)
Han
2 periods: W Han and E Han
divided by the Xin dynasty
Western Han
capital was in the West
Liu Bang
first commoner to be Emperor: social mobility increased, more equality
followed Legalism: conduct laws, harsh and collective punishment, rule by military force
also rule by virtue: relations with Xiong Nu, increase in meritocracy, pardons for criminals
intellectual development: medicine, science based on yin-yang & wuxing, critical commentary on the
classics (Sima Qian’s Shiji—Records of the Grand Historian)
Emperor Wu
Confucian: banned Legalism
rule by force: Xiong Nu, oppressed peasants
after Wu died, no one could hold power
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
ASIA 110: Introduction to Asia (China)
Instructor: Jennifer Lundin Ritchie
Xin
Wang Mang seized power, founded new dynasty
Confucian: tried to recreate the Zhou dynasty, rule by virtue
e.g. Mencius’ well-field (‘9 squares’) system, redistributed land from rich to poor, study the past
also rule by force: bad international relations, long wars
nobility and military turned on him
Eastern Han
capital was in the East
Emperor Guangwu (Liu Xiu): peaceful, merciful, rule by virtue
E Han became very prosperous
later child rulers could not handle: in-fighting between court officials, rebellions (Yellow Turbans,
Celestial Masters), warlords
Disunity
many states vied for leadership, chaos, wars
life is chaotic = search for new ideas to solve problems
Buddhism:
from India
addressed suffering
very quick assimilation into Chinese culture (translation, art)
difficulty in translation (language, ideas), used Daoism to understand
Xuan Xue (Myterious Learning):
Wang Bi and Guo Xiang
re-examine old Daoist texts: Laozi, Yijing, Zhuangzi
mix Confuciuan social values + Daoist explanations of existence
Religious Daoism:
Daoism now has temples, scriptures, monasteries, rituals, rules, etc. (How is this different than what
Laozi and Zhuangzi advocated?)
competed with Buddhism
Celestial Masters: a group who offered free meals & healing, gained converts
Sui
united all the warring states again
northern Chinese Emperor married a Xiong Nu wife, son married a southern Chinese wife
rule by virtue: reconciliation, mix cultures, meritocracy (official examinations), built Grand Canal
Buddhist: BUT used Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism to rule
very successful: expanded land very quickly, BUT stretched too thin, led to rebellions
last Sui Emperor depicted as wicked bad ruler. Can we trust this account? Why?
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
ASIA 110: Introduction to Asia (China)
Instructor: Jennifer Lundin Ritchie
Tang
early rule by force:
popular Sui general from Sui royal family seizes power, becomes Tang Emperor Gaozu
Gaozu’s second son Taizong seizes power (kills older brother, takes throne from dad)
mid-dynasty rule by virtue:
Daoism: BUT used Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism to rule
sent monk to India to teach Daoism, collect Buddhist texts (inspired the novel: Journey to the West)
new laws: humanitarian, for public good
Tang Debates:
Daoism or Buddhism?: Taizong held the Tang debates to decide, Daoists won in the end
high stakes: Daoism and Buddhism adopted qualities from each other to help them win
Why do official reports say Buddhists are much better at debating? Can we trust these reports? Why?
First Female Emperor: Empress Wu
status of women increased
Buddhist: claimed to be the incarnation of Maitreya, repealed Daoist victory in debates, expanded
Longmen caves (many Buddhist statues), many new Buddhist sects become popular (e.g. Tiantai,
Huayuan, ZhenYan, Pure Land, Chan/Zen)
international culture: including new ideas & religions (e.g. Christian and Iranian/Persian religions)
high cosmopolitan culture: much dance, art, poetry, painting, etc. in free and flowing styles
poetry (e.g. Li Bai, Du Fu, Han Yu, Bai Juyi): about freedom, exuberance, socio-political issues,
some are simple and old style while some are modern more complicated style
writing: paper making is refined, wood-block printing (1st printed book), cursive script (free, flowing)
Late Tang rule by force:
after Empress Wu, later Emperors liked Daoism, destroyed Buddhist sects. Only Pure Land and
Chan/Zen survive. Why could these 2 survive the destruction?
late Tang rulers relied on eunuchs: eunuchs got really powerful, corruption, falsification of records
built big military, troops became independent
rebellions (e.g. An Lushan, Huang Chao): destroyed capital, killings, chaos, panic, starvation
period of disunity with many groups trying to get power (5 Dynasties and 10 Kingdoms)
Song
2 periods: N Song and S Song
rule by virtue: convinced generals to retire, power to civilians, welfare state, meritocracy (official
examination reforms), treaties with Liao people & Xi Xia people, welcomed Jin/Jurchen people as allies
N Song became S Song when they lost northern area to Jin/Jurchen people
first foreign dynasty: Jin dynasty adopted Song culture, Confucianism, but kept peoples separate
prosperous times: high industry & commerce (e.g. mining, iron tools and chains, ships, bridges, factories,
ceramics, service industry, etc.), high agriculture (e.g. farming tools, irrigation, terraces, fertilizers, etc.)
a dynasty of “firsts” (innovative ideas): paper money, permanent navy, gunpowder, modern compass
writing: improved paper-making and printing press, movable type, Jurchen language
status of women mixed (response to Tang?): e.g. educated, divorce, hold money, no careers, footbinding
Philosophy/Religion:
Neo-Confucianism (Zhu Xi): investigation of things (gewu) is our duty, edited texts, added
commentaries, moral values from cosmic order and not from historical records like Confucius said,
pattern (li) and energetic substance (qi), later became the only accepted interpretation for exams
Sima Guang Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Government: critical account of history with commentaries
Daoism: popular for rulers, old & new sects, incl. trying to combine Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism
Buddhism: popular for public, more personal, Chan sect is most popular
religious Chan: temples, strict monastic rules & rituals (How is this different from Zhuangzi’s ideas?)
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
ASIA 110: Introduction to Asia (China)
Instructor: Jennifer Lundin Ritchie
Yuan
rule by force and virtue:
Temujin (Ghengis Khan) unites the Mongol tribes in the north: uses alliances, gifts, and fighting
Temujin (Ghengis Khan) Khan attacks and defeats Xi Xia & Central Asia
Ogedei Khan attacks and defeats Jin, expands to Europe by defeating many groups, dies & all retreat
Mongols use their toughness, weaponry skills, and many flexible strategies to beat other peoples
second foreign dynasty: Kubilai Khan attacks and defeats the S Song, starts the Yuan dynasty,
adopted Chinese names, Confucian philosophy, but kept people separate
what do you think about Ghengis Khan? What do you think about the Mongol conquest in general?
Use 3 pieces of evidence to defend your opinions.
rule by virtue:
employed foreigners in government, e.g. Marco Polo from Italy
development of religion, art, and culture
medicine, theatre, painting and calligraphy: often showed socio-political situation of intellectuals
writing: Mongol scripts (adopted from Uighurs, Chinese, and Tibetans), Mongol history written. Can
we trust this history? Why?
all religions and philosophies welcome, incl. Daoists, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Jews
religious debates: intellectual interest, not high stakes like the Tang
adopted Lamaism (Tibetan Buddhism) as state religion
Neo-Confucianism: followers of Zhu Xi, balance study with self-cultivation
natural disasters and rebellions weaken the de-centralized Mongol Empire & cause rise of messianic
religions (“we’ll save you!”)
Ming
early rule by force:
poor commoner Zhu Yuanzhang becomes military commander, leads a rebellion, chases Mongols
north, becomes Ming Emperor, dynasty called Hongwu (Great Military Achievement)
Zhu Yuanzhang’s son, military commander Zhu Di, seizes the throne by force from his nephew
suppressed elites, all Mongol things are banned and destroyed
autocratic and authoritarian, suspicious (e.g. spies, Li-Jia system), harsh (e.g. tortures, beating,
executions), forced people to move from South to North, used military to rule by fear
Confucian: return to the Zhou, increase scholars, put moral placards for the public, restored official
exams, all Buddhists and Daoists must pass exams or be defrocked
sponsored maritime exploration (Zheng He): to show China is strong again, biggest ships & fleet
helped poor farmers
many public works: Forbidden City, restore Great Wall & Great Canal
later rule by virtue:
after Zhu Di, emperors interested in culture and religion (Buddhism and Daoism)
peaceful and prosperous time, rulers ignored government and military, eunuchs gained much power
(Neo-)Neo-Confucianism (Wang Yangming): all people are innately good, morality is a personal
responsibility, knowledge = action, followers listen to their conscience not laws/rulers!
intellectuals wrote novels: a guilty pleasure and not high culture, incl. histories, following
conscience not laws, adventures, pornographic (match these themes to the 4 Great Novels below)
Four Great Novels: Romance of the Three Kingdoms, The Water Margin (All Men are Brothers or
Men of the Marsh), Journey to the West (Monkey), Plum in the Golden Vase (Golden Lotus)
Christians: Jesuits use Western science and Confucian learning to convert elites, problems of
translation (language, ideas), Pope bans Confucian ritual for Christians so Emperor bans Christianity
neglect of government eventually led to rebels taking over
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
ASIA 110: Introduction to Asia (China)
Instructor: Jennifer Lundin Ritchie
Qing
return of the Jurchen (Manchus = descendants of the Jin)
Nurgaci united the Jurchen tribes: used treaties, marriage, and fighting
writing: Manchu script (from Mongolian), Manchu history written. Can we trust this history? Why?
Nurgaci’s son added other peoples (Mongols, Chinese), created “Manchus,” founded Qing N of China
3rd foreign dynasty: Nurgaci’s grandson welcomed into Beijing to help solve rebellions, took rule of Ming
some rule by virtue:
used Confucian exams, Ming scholars & institutions, Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism, treaties with Russia
made a new Ming history, encyclopaedia, dictionaries. How much can we trust this history? Why?
early rule by force:
massacred Ming loyalists & rebels, rule by military force
made Ming men wear queue, encouraged Chinese to keep footbinding (why?)
suppressed all writings hostile to ruler or Manchus
spread empire: attacked countries to N & NW (e.g. Russia, Tibet, Mongols, Turkestan, Dzungaria)
later rule by virtue:
Qianlong worked with local rulers, honoured them with riches, won loyalty, multi-lingual
Siku quanshu (Complete Library of the 4 Treasuries): all Chinese books into one place
morality = key to governing, people will want to act within the law
peace = population increased
Intellectual development:
Neo-Confucianism: return to Zhu Xi’s idea of questioning things (gewu)
questioning Zhu Xi!: li is just “pattern” and not metaphysical truth, human nature is whole and not
dualistic (i.e. not li + qi)
questioning tradition (who, what, how, why): art, writing (poetry, literature), learning (examinations)
Interactions with the West
Qianlong’s Canton System: to restrict trade with foreigners (esp. British), China held trading power
changes in Europe: Age of Exploration, Industrial Revolution, Free Trade idea, Napoleonic Wars
changes in trade: Britain wants tea, offers opium via India, trading power shifts to Britain (why?)
Treaty of Nanjing and “no most favored nation” clause: what does this mean for China?
after First Sino-Japanese War, Europeans took over many areas of China: land, resources, police
Christianity (Taipings): Hong Xiuguan adopts Protestanism to deal with suffering of Opium War,
makes new religion, leads Taiping Rebellion to overthrow Qing, defeated by new provincial armies
Christianity (Protestants): missionaries now protected by Treaty of Nanjing, problems in translation
(language, ideas) + fallout of Treaty & earlier rebellions (Taiping, Boxers, Tibetans) = not popular
Cixi
inherited a dynasty full of problems: results of opium war & Treaty of Nanjing, corruption, exams,
Yellow River reversed (floods, famine), rebellions, influx of foreigners, wars with France & Japan
ruled through children (son, nephew, Puyi),“listened behind the curtain,” controlled provincial generals
Emperor Tongzhi in Summer Palace: imprisoned because of his age or recovering from illness?
early Self-Strengthening: supported agriculture, Confucian learning, relief projects in South
later Self-Strengthening: supported learning Western military & technology (e.g. ships), but not the
switch to all Western style government & thinking (e.g. trains go anywhere, free trade, republic)
Neo-Confucianism (New Reformers, e.g Kang Youwei, Tan Sitong): Confucius was a prophet with
hidden meanings about Social Darwinism, monarchy should be replaced by a republic, meritocracy
placed nephew Emperor Guangxu under house arrest: for 100 Days Reforms or his age/marriage?
Boxer Rebellion: Cixi convinced Boxers to fight Europeans/Christians instead of overthrow the Qing,
loss of Rebellion forced Cixi to make unwanted concessions to Westerners, lose Manchuria to Russia
Cixi depicted as typical wicked last ruler of the dynasty. Can we trust this account? Why?
What do you think of Cixi? Give 3 pieces of evidence to support your opinion.
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
ASIA 110: Introduction to Asia (China)
Instructor: Jennifer Lundin Ritchie
Republic of China (ROC)
1911 Rebellion:
Qing nationalized the railway, New Army regiment mutinied, all provinces followed
Sun Yat-sen’s Revolutionary Alliance vs. Yuan Shikai’s New Army = potential civil war
decided: China PuYi would abdicate, would become a republic, Yuan Shikai would be President
Interactions with foreigners:
Japan’s 21 Demands: Yuan Shikai gives in to almost all of them
World War 1: Japan & China join European Allies against Germany, promised self-determination
1919 Treaty of Versailles (Paris): China is denied self-determination, Japan is given China’s lands
USSR/Russia: begins Communist International group, China joins
Japan: seizes Manchuria (PuYi as Emperor), takes much Chinese land in 2nd Sino-Japanese War,
Nanjing Massacre, bombs Pearl Harbour (USA) causes USA to join war & atom-bomb Japan 1945
Mongolia declares independence 1945
rule by force:
Yuan Shikai broke promises, became dictator & new Emperor of Qing, ruled by military force
warlords overthrew Yuan Shikai,
New Culture Movement:
life is chaotic = search for new ideas to solve problems
reject Confucianism, Chinese tradition, use Western ideas (pragmatism, democracy, equality)
reject elites, turn to popular ideas and language (vernacular)
May 4th 1919 student protested in Tiananmen Square: do not sign unfair Treaty of Versailles!
shift away from democracy (Western ideas), toward socialism (USSR ideas)
CCP vs GMD:
Sun Yat-sen (GMD) made an alliance with CCP
rule by force: Chiang Kai-shek (GMD) declared martial law, becomes President, kicks out CCP,
leads Northern Expedition to unite China, massacres CCP in Purges and Annihilation Campaigns
rule by virtue: CCP regroups in the Southern countryside with Mao Zedong as political leader and
Zhu De as general of army, make own country, teach communist philosophy, help people, much
public support, lead Long March to escape GMD & go fight Japanese in the North
Why do the CCP say they fought the Japanese and the GMD did nothing, while the GMD say they
fought the Japanese and the CCP did nothing? Use 2 piece of evidence to support your opinion.
Who do you think did the most to fight the Japanese, the CCP or GMD? Who do you think should
get credit for the victory? Use 2 piece of evidence to support your opinions.
People’s Republic of China (PRC)
Mao Zedong as Chairman of PRC:
Consolidation: increase equality (minorities, rural, women), 3 public campaigns (1. health: Four
Pests, 2. corruption: CCP, capitalists/GMD, 3. economy: rebuild industry, agriculture co-ops)
writing: simplify script and vocabulary to increase literacy
intellectual development: Mao’s 100 Flowers Campaign to encourage expert opinions backfired,
they were all punished, individual thought and emotion and all criticism of Mao/CCP is repressed
art: must support the revolution, be “socialist realism” style, glorify workers and poor and Mao
Five Year Plan: heavy industry and fully collectivize agriculture = very successful
Great Leap Forward: use public campaigns to increase steel production & collectivize all aspects of
life = very unsuccessful, Mao tried to use more propaganda to cover failure, lost public support
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
ASIA 110: Introduction to Asia (China)
Instructor: Jennifer Lundin Ritchie
Interactions with foreigners:
USSR/Russia: following USSR model meant early relations good, later China argued over borders &
Russia did not support China (as communist world leaders, against Taiwan, in Tibet) so got worse
USA: relations deteriorated after CCP took rule (communists, USSR allies), Korean war (enemies)
international communication over the internet began 1987, but most Chinese did not have access
Khazakhstan: claims independence in 1991
Britain, Portugal: negotiate with Deng Xiaoping to give back Hong Kong and Macau in 1997& 1999
many countries currently upset with PRC’s violations of human rights, cover-ups, propaganda
Africa and S America: new relationships based on humanitarian aid from China
Liu Shaoqi:
became Chairman to fix Mao’s Great Leap Forward problems
more moderate & pragmatic than Mao
Mao started Cultural Revolution: used public campaigns to fight capitalism, bureaucrats,
establishment (like Liu Xiaoqi), the young Red Guards destroyed many landowners and intellectuals,
cultural artefacts, etc., Liu Xiaoqi sent the Red Guards to the countryside for “re-education”
When Liu Xiaoqi died, Gang of Four tried to purge the moderates, failed
Deng Xiaoping:
like Liu Xiaoqi: more moderate & pragmatic than Mao
abandoned Mao’s ideas, criticised Mao’s Cultural Revolution, communes, reliance on enthusiasm
Four Modernizations: market economy, land reform, encourage science & technology, military
problems of rapid economy boom: population boom, unequal growth (corruption, inequality, unrest,
mass migration to cities, no infrastructure), pollution (industry, garbage, human waste)
public outrage over his treatment of freedom of speech/religion protestors caused him to resign
Intellectual development:
international engagement in 1980s: new ideas, styles, forms of art and writing, e.g. anti-art, modern
art, re-examine past history like Cultural Revolution and past philosophy like Confucius & Zhu Xi,
explore personal feelings and experiences (esp. Cultural Revolution, wars), cherish freedom
increased demands for freedom of speech and religion: Tiananmen Square, Tibet, Falun Gong
writing: computer fonts
rule by force:
1980s: use martial law and violence for Tiananmen Square Massacre 1989 & Tibet Independence
Movement, afterwards use cover-ups, propaganda campaigns to discredit victims
1990s: Jiang Zemin increased CCP control on politics & public discourse (no freedom of speech),
increased propaganda, continued repression and violence against groups like Falun Gong & Tibetans
2000s: Hu Jintao continued Jiang Zemin’s suppression policies, increased propaganda in media &
education system, increased CCP control in economy (= great economic success, life expectancy and
literacy increased, BUT still many social, political, environmental problems)
on 20th anniversary of Tiananmen Square Massacre (June 2009), Hu Jintao bans social media in
China, including Facebook, youtube, and twitter
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler