Read pages 1 -4 of 'China: From Empire to People's Republic' by Michael Lynch. Then write a paragraph or two answering this important question on the influence of Confucianism on China and its people.
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Welcome Class of 2011
Welcome
This blog is intended as a resource and means of communication for students studying the VCE Revolutions course. I wish you well in your studies and hope that you find this site not only useful, but also fun.
Many Thanks
Mr G.
Many Thanks
Mr G.
Useful links
Wider Reading
- A People's Tragedy by Orlando Figes
- China: From Empire to People's Republic 1900-49 by Michael Lynch
- China: Revolutionary Leadership by John Wood & Andrew McManus
- Spirit of Change: China in Revolution by Margot Morcombe & Mark Fielding
- The People's Republic of China since 1949 by Michael Lynch
2 comments:
Confucianism was an essential part of Chinese culture, as it provided a code of conduct to the people. It is best described as an acceptance of fate, and of a set of social imperatives. Confucianism was inherently conservative and dictated the dominance of males and elders: of emperors over subjects, husbands over wives, and parents over children. Confucianism is thus the central doctrine of Chinese culture, and promoted an hierarchic sense of deference and loyalty to authority. This meant that the later totalitarianism under Mao was ultimately consistent with Confucian principles, despite being denounced by Chinese revolutionaries.
An excellent answer. Well done for being the first post on the blog!
There was a distinct lack of individualism in Imperial China. It was therefore nothing new for the Chinese post 1949. You can think of the totalitarianism of Mao's government as a continuation of an ancient tradition.
But what happens when an Emperor dies and has no heirs? or there is a civil war and a new dynasty comes to the throne?
Read up on 'The Mandate of Heaven' to find the answers.
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