Greetings, fellow Civfanatics. In a few weeks' time, I am going to begin writing a history project concerning the effects that Chinese philosophies, especially Confucianism and various aspects of Taoism, have had on modern Chinese society. I will also be dealing with the struggle between the Kuomintang party and the communists in the 20th century and especially the aftermath and subsequent communist rule, where Confucianism was banned. Have the communists rooted these ancient notions out, or do they still permeate Chinese society, and can you recommend any literature on the subject?
Help/Input wanted: Chinese history.
- Thread starter Morten
- Start date
Some of the overseas Chinese communities are still practising the cultural baggage left over by our ancestors - the mix of Confuciansim, Buddhism, and Taoism (and Legalism as well, perhaps). I am certain this is certainly the case for the communities in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
In China, it seems like these are making a comeback as well. In recent times, they have reinstituted celebrating Confucius's birthday in his historical hometown, among other things. Parents are also sending their kids for 'Confucian' extra classes.
In China, it seems like these are making a comeback as well. In recent times, they have reinstituted celebrating Confucius's birthday in his historical hometown, among other things. Parents are also sending their kids for 'Confucian' extra classes.
Of the KMT (Kuomintang) and the CCP (ChiComm), the KMT was the more traditional of the two. So, their two leaders Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek were Christians, but the KMT for the most part did not actively pursue systematic suppression of traditional Chinese faiths. The CCP did, for a while. Mao Zedong might as well have been the second "First Emperor". Confucius was vilified and demonised. The people were encouraged to attack religion in the line of Marxism. During the Cultural Revolution major temples were only saved because Zhou Enlai intervened.
Since 1978 however the PRC government has become much more relaxed on religion. People can generally worship whatever they like (Exceptions - Falun Gong, the Dalai Lama, and Christian groups deemed too closely associated with Western powers). In fact, the CCP seems to be approving the revival of traditional Chinese faiths, partly because something called "national pride". (Did you watch the Olympics opening ceremony? Did you see the scene with with the 2008 Confucian scholars? That would've been quite unthinkable during the Mao years.)
Since 1978 however the PRC government has become much more relaxed on religion. People can generally worship whatever they like (Exceptions - Falun Gong, the Dalai Lama, and Christian groups deemed too closely associated with Western powers). In fact, the CCP seems to be approving the revival of traditional Chinese faiths, partly because something called "national pride". (Did you watch the Olympics opening ceremony? Did you see the scene with with the 2008 Confucian scholars? That would've been quite unthinkable during the Mao years.)
Concurring with post #2 and 3, I'd like to add that despite the Mao-engineered Cultural Revolution, Chinese communism-Mao style actually borrowed quite a bit from Confucianism. Taoism is an ancient belief system and as the collapse of Soviet Russia has shown, several decennia of persecution will not erase a tradition of hundreds of years of religious conviction.
When I studied history, Fairbank/Reischauer/Craig's East Asia, Tradition and Transformation was a classic read on China/Korea/Vietnam/Japan. (It was later separated in a volume on China and a second volume.)
Googling China, History (or history of China, and links from there) will get you some more recent books on your subjects.
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