China: Early Global Connections China: Early Global Connections to the Modern Marketto the Modern Market

Matthew M. Jason, Lansing Eastern High SchoolMatthew M. Jason, Lansing Eastern High School

Created with support from

University of Colorado, Boulder

Program for Teaching East Asia

Center for Asian Studies

and

The Freeman Foundation

How do we define How do we define globalizationglobalization??► “Globalization in its literal sense is the process

of transformation of local or regional phenomena into global ones. It can be described as a process by which the people of the world are unified into a single society and function together.” -Wikipedia

► “The interweaving of markets, technology, information systems and telecommunications systems in a way that is shrinking the world from a size medium to a size small, and enabling each of us to reach around the world farther, faster, deeper, and cheaper than ever before, and enabling the world to reach into each of us farther, faster, deeper, cheaper than ever before.” -Thomas Friedman, The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century

How do we define How do we define globalizationglobalization??

► Only popularly used since the late 1980s, Only popularly used since the late 1980s, early 1990s.early 1990s.

► Focus on global institutions like Focus on global institutions like multinational corporations, World Bank, multinational corporations, World Bank, IMF, United Nations.IMF, United Nations.

► In secondary history courses it is largely In secondary history courses it is largely Euro-centric, with an origin(s) in the Euro-centric, with an origin(s) in the European Age of Exploration (i.e. European Age of Exploration (i.e. Columbus, da Gama).Columbus, da Gama).

► However, these origins were not, in However, these origins were not, in reality, a one-way process. Much of the reality, a one-way process. Much of the impetus came from Asia, which is still impetus came from Asia, which is still central to globalization today.central to globalization today.

How do we define How do we define globalizationglobalization??

►Global = “worldwide”Global = “worldwide”►Zation = “process”Zation = “process”►And “I” am in the middle of it!And “I” am in the middle of it!

►Consists of a cultural component, as Consists of a cultural component, as well as systems (political, economic).well as systems (political, economic).

Why is it important to understand Why is it important to understand these origins?these origins?

►The present is a product of the past... The present is a product of the past... sounds simple, right?sounds simple, right?

►Arabs, Muslims, and Chinese were the Arabs, Muslims, and Chinese were the main participants in creating a more main participants in creating a more connected world: Silk Road – European connected world: Silk Road – European Exploration (1Exploration (1stst century BCE – 15 century BCE – 15thth century).century).

►These same people are critical to the These same people are critical to the functioning and stability of the world today functioning and stability of the world today and must be understood to foster a better and must be understood to foster a better world.world.

Silk Road(s) ContextSilk Road(s) Context

►11stst century BCE – 14 century BCE – 14thth century CE century CE►Dominated by Chinese goods and South Dominated by Chinese goods and South

West Asian nomadic traders.West Asian nomadic traders.►After death of Muhammad (7After death of Muhammad (7thth C.), acted C.), acted

as conduit for Islam into Central and as conduit for Islam into Central and South East Asia.South East Asia.

►Simultaneously, ocean routes directly Simultaneously, ocean routes directly connected East Africa and Arabian connected East Africa and Arabian Peninsula to China.Peninsula to China.

11stst Century CE, Trans-Asia Trade Century CE, Trans-Asia Trade-Based on writings of Ptolemy, 150 CE-Based on writings of Ptolemy, 150 CE

www.wikipedia.org

Main Teaching ThemesMain Teaching Themes

►Chinese contact with rest of world, Chinese contact with rest of world, particularly Arab.particularly Arab.

►Advancement of Chinese culture preceding Advancement of Chinese culture preceding the Age of European Exploration.the Age of European Exploration.

►Connections between Chinese and other Connections between Chinese and other cultures before 15cultures before 15thth century and the century and the present.present.

►““The world has been in China always, and The world has been in China always, and China has always been in the world.”China has always been in the world.” Tim Cheek, U of British ColumbiaTim Cheek, U of British Columbia

World Wealth, 1500World Wealth, 1500

worldmapper.org

World Wealth, 2015World Wealth, 2015

PeriodizationPeriodization

►Typically follow dynastic cycle.Typically follow dynastic cycle. In line with conventional sources.In line with conventional sources.

►However, dynamic within specific dynasties, However, dynamic within specific dynasties, as well as cultural continuity between.as well as cultural continuity between.

►Emphasis on relative period:Emphasis on relative period: Compare with other dynasties, periods.Compare with other dynasties, periods. Compare with other periods, elsewhere, i.e. Late Compare with other periods, elsewhere, i.e. Late

Middle Ages Europe (use of GeoHistogram).Middle Ages Europe (use of GeoHistogram).

TimeframesTimeframes

►Tang: 618 – 907 CE *Tang: 618 – 907 CE *►Five Dynasties and Ten KingdomsFive Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms►Song: 960 – 1279 CE *Song: 960 – 1279 CE *►Yuan: 1279 – 1368 CE (Mongol)Yuan: 1279 – 1368 CE (Mongol)►Ming: 1368 – 1644 CE *Ming: 1368 – 1644 CE *►Qing: 1644 – 1911 CE (Manchu)Qing: 1644 – 1911 CE (Manchu)

The world in Tang China...The world in Tang China...

► By 8th century, over 200,000 Persians, Arabs, Indians, Malays lived in coastal Chinese cities (namely Guangzhou [Canton]).

► Said Ibn Abi Waqqas, companion of Muhammad, traveled to China by end of 7th century, established Huaiseng Mosque in Guangzhou.

The world in Tang China...The world in Tang China...

►Guangzhou a bustling port and place of Guangzhou a bustling port and place of residence for foreign-born.residence for foreign-born.

►758 CE: Persian and Arab pirates sacked 758 CE: Persian and Arab pirates sacked the the city the the city –– large sections of the city large sections of the city burned, city closed for 5 decades to burned, city closed for 5 decades to foreign residents.foreign residents.

►878 CE: Huang Cho rebellion, records 878 CE: Huang Cho rebellion, records indicated up to 120,000 Jews, Christians, indicated up to 120,000 Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Magians killed.Muslims, and Magians killed.

The world in Tang China...The world in Tang China...►Foreign goods, particularly those of Foreign goods, particularly those of

Central Asia, highly prized by the elite.Central Asia, highly prized by the elite.►Elements of Mediterranean cultures had Elements of Mediterranean cultures had

made their way into Chinese society, made their way into Chinese society, particularly pottery motifs, legends, and particularly pottery motifs, legends, and religious imagery.religious imagery.

►A complex tribute system existed to A complex tribute system existed to maintain good relations between the maintain good relations between the Emperor and foreign nations to facilitate Emperor and foreign nations to facilitate trade and harmonious relations.trade and harmonious relations.

“Camel Rider” ceramic

Tang China in the World...Tang China in the World...

►Geographer Jia Dan, late 8Geographer Jia Dan, late 8thth C. writes C. writes that that junkjunk had to anchor in mouth of had to anchor in mouth of Euphrates to transfer goods to Baghdad.Euphrates to transfer goods to Baghdad.

►Confirmed by contemporary Arab Confirmed by contemporary Arab merchant Shulama.merchant Shulama.

►Chinese paper makers captured by Chinese paper makers captured by Abbasid soldiers @ Battle of Talas, 751 Abbasid soldiers @ Battle of Talas, 751 CE led to changes in paper technology CE led to changes in paper technology throughout SE Asia.throughout SE Asia.

Battle of Talas

Arabic language map of SE Asia

Expansion during Tang Dynasty

Case Study: Case Study: Belitung Shipwreck Shipwreck► Arab Arab dhowdhow, c. 826, , c. 826,

found late 1990s.found late 1990s.► Over 60,000 pieces, Over 60,000 pieces,

including gold, silver, including gold, silver, fine porcelain, many fine porcelain, many mass produced mass produced ceramics (urns, ink ceramics (urns, ink pots).pots).

► Pieces inscribed with Pieces inscribed with “salaam” and Arabic.“salaam” and Arabic.

► Places regular Arab-Places regular Arab-Chinese trade centuries Chinese trade centuries earlier than thought.earlier than thought.

Belitung PiecesBelitung Pieces

Blue and white ware. Changsha bowl with Arabic inscription.

What can we learn from the What can we learn from the Belitung Wreck?Belitung Wreck?

►What can we learn from the kinds of What can we learn from the kinds of artifacts found?artifacts found?

►What can we infer about the sea trade that What can we infer about the sea trade that took place during the time of the Silk took place during the time of the Silk Roads?Roads?

►What does the evidence of this wreck say What does the evidence of this wreck say about the state of global trade, some 700 about the state of global trade, some 700 years before the time of Columbus?years before the time of Columbus?

►BBC Article, , images from Singapore from Singapore collection.collection.

Song Dynasty, 960 – 1279 CESong Dynasty, 960 – 1279 CE►Peak of technological innovation.Peak of technological innovation.►Creation of technologies integral to Creation of technologies integral to

today's world:today's world: Explosive powderExplosive powder Printing pressPrinting press Paper currencyPaper currency CompassCompass Mechanical clockMechanical clock

►Ends with Mongol conquest of China.Ends with Mongol conquest of China.

Teaching about the Teaching about the Innovations of Song China Innovations of Song China

►Have students teach each other.Have students teach each other.►Students focus on a particular Students focus on a particular

technology, do the research, and post technology, do the research, and post their findings, with an artifact.their findings, with an artifact.

►Requires decoding visual and written Requires decoding visual and written texts, summarizing and synthesizing.texts, summarizing and synthesizing.

►Using the web to display and view Using the web to display and view student work enhances student student work enhances student engagement. engagement.

Using Artifacts

►Focused, sustained study on some Focused, sustained study on some “thing” from the period studied.“thing” from the period studied.

►Helps students build their historical Helps students build their historical imagination, visualize the content they imagination, visualize the content they are learning.are learning.

►Students studying student work is more Students studying student work is more interesting, and encourages thinking interesting, and encourages thinking about how they think (metacognition).about how they think (metacognition).

Ming Dynasty: 1368 – 1644Ming Dynasty: 1368 – 1644► Long period of stable rule.Long period of stable rule.► Military, naval growth, as well as Military, naval growth, as well as

infrastructure.infrastructure.► Signs of a market economy, with currency Signs of a market economy, with currency

as central element.as central element.► Extensive private industry, high output.Extensive private industry, high output.► Considerable trade with Americas, via Considerable trade with Americas, via

Spanish (silver and sweet potatoes!)Spanish (silver and sweet potatoes!)► Over 30% of world's GDP, perhaps as much Over 30% of world's GDP, perhaps as much

as 40% of the world's silver.as 40% of the world's silver.

Admiral Zheng HeAdmiral Zheng He

►1371 – 1433 CE►Ethnic Hui, eunuch advisor to Yongle

Emperor.►Descendant of Yunnan governor, Uzbek

origins.► 7 voyages, as far as East Africa, Persian

Gulf.►1405 expedition consisted of 27,800 men,

62 treasure ships supported by approximately 190 smaller ships, including:

Equine ships, water tankers, troop transports

►Arab sources corroborate Zheng's own records.

Ships from Zheng He’s fleet, c. 1400.

Models comparing the ships of Zheng He and Christopher Columbus, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai.

Giraffe, from East Giraffe, from East Africa, 1415Africa, 1415

Zheng's sailing charts, published 1621

Ramifications of Zheng HeRamifications of Zheng He

►Ming China was multicultural, as had Ming China was multicultural, as had China been, for centuries.China been, for centuries.

►China's reach was wide-ranging, China's reach was wide-ranging, possibly to Atlantic and Mediterranean.possibly to Atlantic and Mediterranean.

►Voyages part of a larger tribute system Voyages part of a larger tribute system of building ties to emperor, not colonial.of building ties to emperor, not colonial.

►China was open, and not isolationist as China was open, and not isolationist as often suggested.often suggested.

What to do with Zheng?What to do with Zheng?►There are scattered internet sources on There are scattered internet sources on

him.him.►Compile a mixture, assign to students, and Compile a mixture, assign to students, and

have them create biographies. Compare in have them create biographies. Compare in small groups to see what characteristics small groups to see what characteristics stand out.stand out.

►““Profile in Global Discovery”Profile in Global Discovery”►Comparisons between his own fleet and Comparisons between his own fleet and

that of later European explorers.that of later European explorers.►What does this tell us about China before What does this tell us about China before

the Age of European Exploration?the Age of European Exploration?

Contributions to the European Contributions to the European Age of ExplorationAge of Exploration

► Mounted rudder, China via Arabia.

► Astrolabe, Arabia.

► Compass, China.

► qarib – Arab model for European caravel

From left to right: Chinese junk, Arab dhow, Portuguese caravel.

Lessons for the PresentLessons for the Present

►““Idea that China is culturally isolated is a Idea that China is culturally isolated is a relic of the Cold War.” -Tim Cheekrelic of the Cold War.” -Tim Cheek

►The history of Chinese relations is more The history of Chinese relations is more significant than its “isolated” geography.significant than its “isolated” geography.

►Western stereotypes come from time of Western stereotypes come from time of later Qing Dynasty and Mao.later Qing Dynasty and Mao.

►Less “East” and “West” and more a Less “East” and “West” and more a complex process we are continually complex process we are continually learning more about.learning more about.

““There are multiple ways that the very There are multiple ways that the very identity of “the West” is dependent for identity of “the West” is dependent for its construction on a vast history of its construction on a vast history of relations with “the East,” that indeed relations with “the East,” that indeed there is no West without an East and there is no West without an East and vice versa; and that the most vice versa; and that the most fundamental requirements of a global fundamental requirements of a global age is a recognition of this fact so that age is a recognition of this fact so that a real conversation can begin about a real conversation can begin about the necessary conditions of mutuality the necessary conditions of mutuality that will inevitably form part of all that will inevitably form part of all human futures.”human futures.”- D. G. Smith, - D. G. Smith, Trying to Teach in a Season Trying to Teach in a Season

of Great Untruthof Great Untruth

Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

►Chinese Seige Warfare : Mechanical : Mechanical Artillery and Siege Weapons of AntiquityArtillery and Siege Weapons of Antiquity

►Time Asia specialTime Asia special on Zheng He and on Zheng He and Chinese maritime exploration.Chinese maritime exploration.

China TodayChina Today““China's revolutionary change can only be China's revolutionary change can only be

understood, and fully appreciated if understood, and fully appreciated if understood in the context of a century's understood in the context of a century's worth of worth of continuous revolutioncontinuous revolution.”.”

-Timothy Weston, UC Boulder-Timothy Weston, UC Boulder

China TodayChina Today► Within the last twenty years China has become Within the last twenty years China has become

the world's second largest economy by GDP the world's second largest economy by GDP (PPP).(PPP).

► It’s economy is inextricably interwoven with that It’s economy is inextricably interwoven with that of the world.of the world.

How did the present come to be?How did the present come to be?

► Under Mao, China was largely isolated and Under Mao, China was largely isolated and competed with the U.S.S.R. for influence in competed with the U.S.S.R. for influence in Marxist spheres.Marxist spheres.

► The Mao Era can be seen as an anomaly in The Mao Era can be seen as an anomaly in a century of growth and a 2,000 year old a century of growth and a 2,000 year old tradition of regional and global dominance.tradition of regional and global dominance.

► In could be said that China is in its present In could be said that China is in its present position position in spite of the Communist the Communist Revolution and the era of Mao.Revolution and the era of Mao.

In Walks Deng...In Walks Deng...

► 1978: Deng 1978: Deng Xiaoping initiates a Xiaoping initiates a program of Four program of Four Modernizations:Modernizations:

-Agricultural-Agricultural

-Industrial-Industrial

-Science and Tech-Science and Tech

-Military-Military Courtesy of NARA

Deng's ReformsDeng's Reforms► China opened to foreign investment China opened to foreign investment

throughout 1980s.throughout 1980s.► Encouraged “Special Economic Zones” to Encouraged “Special Economic Zones” to

pilot private ownership of industry and pilot private ownership of industry and export-driven enterprises.export-driven enterprises.

► Slowly privatized State Owned Enterprises Slowly privatized State Owned Enterprises (SOEs).(SOEs).

► For the American connection: For the American connection:

-Chapter 4, -Chapter 4, "Is Wal-Mart Good for "Is Wal-Mart Good for America?"America?"

SEZs and Special Administrative Regions

The Economic ConsequencesThe Economic Consequences

► China has quickly become one of the elite China has quickly become one of the elite economic powers of the modern era.economic powers of the modern era.

► 200 million people have entered the 200 million people have entered the middle class in a country where poverty middle class in a country where poverty had been pervasive (also an increase in had been pervasive (also an increase in general standard of living).general standard of living).

► ““Global history is fundamentally Global history is fundamentally changing” with the emergence of China changing” with the emergence of China and India as economic powers. and India as economic powers.

-Timothy Weston, University of Colorado, -Timothy Weston, University of Colorado, BoulderBoulder

www.worldmapper.org

World Map by Container PortsWorld Map by Container Ports

Beyond the EconomyBeyond the Economy

► Transition from command to market Transition from command to market system has wide ranging consequences system has wide ranging consequences beyond economy:beyond economy:

1. Rapid urbanization1. Rapid urbanization

2. Internal migration on vast scale2. Internal migration on vast scale

3. Growing inequality3. Growing inequality

4. Adverse environmental/health effects4. Adverse environmental/health effects

5. Opening of civil society and political 5. Opening of civil society and political system system

1. Urbanization1. Urbanization► 20 cities over 2 million, 100 20 cities over 2 million, 100

by 2020.by 2020.► By 2025, 221 cities over 1 By 2025, 221 cities over 1

million, US will have 153 million, US will have 153 over 200,000.over 200,000.

► ““Postmodern skylines”Postmodern skylines”► Efficient and extensive public Efficient and extensive public

transport systems.transport systems.► Shanghai: 4000 skyscrapers Shanghai: 4000 skyscrapers

(twice NYC), 1000 more by (twice NYC), 1000 more by 2010.2010.

► Growth comes at the Growth comes at the expense of historic expense of historic hutonghutong..

Highway construction in Chongqing - Highway construction in Chongqing - NY Times, May 31, 2007NY Times, May 31, 2007

ShanghaiShanghai

ShanghaiShanghai

Source:Tim Oakes, UC Boulder

Falling hutong

Teaching Chinese UrbanizationTeaching Chinese Urbanization

► Map cities over 1 or 2 million as Map cities over 1 or 2 million as comparison to US. comparison to US. Largest cities list.Largest cities list.

► Journal/diary writing, focusing on imagery, Journal/diary writing, focusing on imagery, and description (travel guide). Use and description (travel guide). Use slideshow as a starting point.slideshow as a starting point.

► Read first hand accounts of everyday life Read first hand accounts of everyday life for different people, students work in for different people, students work in groups to create a monologue, then groups to create a monologue, then present as that person in front of class.present as that person in front of class.

► China CandidChina Candid, Sang Ye, University of , Sang Ye, University of California Press.California Press.

Teaching Chinese UrbanizationTeaching Chinese Urbanization

► Government corruption in urban development: Government corruption in urban development: Who benefits and loses in urban development?Who benefits and loses in urban development?

► Compare land ownership and government role in Compare land ownership and government role in post-reform China with US. Cite examples of free-post-reform China with US. Cite examples of free-market activity and extent to which government market activity and extent to which government protects businesses and private individuals.protects businesses and private individuals.

► Where can big-business operate more freely?Where can big-business operate more freely?► Ted Koppel's “People's Republic of Capitalism” Ted Koppel's “People's Republic of Capitalism”

from Discovery (Streaming): from Discovery (Streaming): http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/koppel/kophttp://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/koppel/koppel.htmlpel.html

2. Internal Migration: The “Floating 2. Internal Migration: The “Floating Population”Population”

► Rural to urban since reforms of 1980s.Rural to urban since reforms of 1980s.► 120-150 million migrant workers in China 120-150 million migrant workers in China

today.today.► Most are illegal (violate Most are illegal (violate hukouhukou system) but system) but

tolerated as a source for cheap labor.tolerated as a source for cheap labor.► 10 million added each year.10 million added each year.► 30-50 million are children.30-50 million are children.► $45 billion sent back home in 2003.$45 billion sent back home in 2003.► Owed $43 billion in unpaid wages.Owed $43 billion in unpaid wages.

2. Migration2. Migration

► Under communist era Under communist era hukouhukou system, system, movement limited to ensure stable rural movement limited to ensure stable rural population for crop production.population for crop production.

► Those in rural areas automatically classified Those in rural areas automatically classified as “farmers.”as “farmers.”

► Industrial jobs were highly prized and Industrial jobs were highly prized and provided an “iron rice bowl” of high wages provided an “iron rice bowl” of high wages and social services.and social services.

► HukouHukou system remains, but the social system remains, but the social services are gone, so migration to low-wage services are gone, so migration to low-wage industrial jobs has become preferred.industrial jobs has become preferred.

3. Inequality3. Inequality

► Various divides present and growing in Various divides present and growing in modern China:modern China:

► rural – urbanrural – urban► educated – uneducatededucated – uneducated► rich – poorrich – poor► Middle class and poor increasingly emulate Middle class and poor increasingly emulate

the elite through conspicuous consumption.the elite through conspicuous consumption.

Source:Tim Oakes, UC Boulder

The many faces of modern China.

4. Environmental/Health Effects4. Environmental/Health Effects

► Severe water and Severe water and air pollution in air pollution in many urban centers many urban centers as result of industry.as result of industry.

► Similar to late 19Similar to late 19thth century US?century US?

► Environmental as Environmental as well as health well as health problems which are problems which are now global (lead now global (lead paint, melamine in paint, melamine in various foods).various foods).

4. Environmental/Health Effects4. Environmental/Health Effects► Industry powered primarily by coal is incredibly Industry powered primarily by coal is incredibly

dirty.dirty.► "Choking on Growth""Choking on Growth" Series, The New York Series, The New York

Times. Times. ► China: “The World's Smokestack” China: “The World's Smokestack”

http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/world/2http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/world/20070826_CHINA_OVERVIEW_FEATURE/?0070826_CHINA_OVERVIEW_FEATURE/?scp=3&sq=urban china&st=csescp=3&sq=urban china&st=cse

► Villages and cities have been affected by Villages and cities have been affected by contamination from local industrial sources – contamination from local industrial sources – increasing cancer and upper-respiratory increasing cancer and upper-respiratory illnesses.illnesses.

► Frequent cases of drinking water contamination.Frequent cases of drinking water contamination.

4. Environmental/Health Effects4. Environmental/Health Effects►Villages focused on one industry are Villages focused on one industry are

often disproportionately affected.often disproportionately affected.►Watch Watch eDumpeDump by Michael Zhao to see by Michael Zhao to see

the Chinese side of US electronics the Chinese side of US electronics recycling.recycling.

www.worldmapper.org

World Map by Carbon EmissionsWorld Map by Carbon Emissions

5. Opening of Society and Political 5. Opening of Society and Political SystemSystem

► Frequent civil disruptions, many of which are Frequent civil disruptions, many of which are related to environmental/health issues, related to environmental/health issues, government corruption, land issues.government corruption, land issues.

► Over 80,000 “significant disturbances,” Over 80,000 “significant disturbances,” 2007.2007.

► Open local elections as accountability check.Open local elections as accountability check.► Increasing prevalence of information due to Increasing prevalence of information due to

Internet.Internet.► Internet has become a sphere of civic Internet has become a sphere of civic

interaction, hundreds of NGOs have formed.interaction, hundreds of NGOs have formed.► Resurgent nationalism: Populace defending Resurgent nationalism: Populace defending

China's right to assert itself.China's right to assert itself.

Increased NationalismIncreased Nationalism

► Anger at West, many suggest a double Anger at West, many suggest a double standard in Western reporting on China.standard in Western reporting on China.

► Reaction to Olympic protests (Tibet, torch Reaction to Olympic protests (Tibet, torch relays).relays).

► "Angry Youth,""Angry Youth," July 2008, July 2008, The New YorkerThe New Yorker..► "China Stand Up""China Stand Up" video, YouTube. video, YouTube.► "Chinese Junk,""Chinese Junk," Jack Cafferty, CNN. Jack Cafferty, CNN.

How do we help our students How do we help our students unpack China?unpack China?

►Act as journalists, giving them access to Act as journalists, giving them access to many forms of media and information.many forms of media and information.

►Encourage them to listen to multiple Encourage them to listen to multiple viewpoints and understand the viewpoints and understand the reasoning behind them.reasoning behind them.

►Begin with basic, descriptive writing Begin with basic, descriptive writing activities centered on visuals.activities centered on visuals.

►Layer in more content that supports the Layer in more content that supports the images.images.

China Yellow, China Red, China BlueChina Yellow, China Red, China BlueAdapted from Jeff WasserstromAdapted from Jeff Wasserstrom

► China's Political PaletteChina's Political Palette: From Monochrome to : From Monochrome to PalettePalette, J. Wasserstrom, J. Wasserstrom

► Draw historical dividing lines and Draw historical dividing lines and conceptualize cultural themes.conceptualize cultural themes.

► China YellowChina Yellow: Imperial China, Ancient – 1911, : Imperial China, Ancient – 1911, fall of Qing Dynasty.fall of Qing Dynasty.

► China RedChina Red: Mao Era, Founding of PRC 1949 – : Mao Era, Founding of PRC 1949 – 1976, death of Mao.1976, death of Mao.

► China BlueChina Blue: Free market China, Deng reforms : Free market China, Deng reforms 1978 – Present situation of China in world.1978 – Present situation of China in world.

China Yellow:China Yellow:►TraditionTradition►Imperial Imperial

past, “Middle past, “Middle Kingdom”Kingdom”

►Confucian Confucian valuesvalues

►Peace, Peace, harmonyharmony

China Blue:China Blue:►Outward Outward

lookinglooking►MercantileMercantile►CosmopolitanCosmopolitan► Individual Individual

rights, private rights, private propertyproperty

China Red:China Red:► Communism Communism

and Partyand Party► Powerful Powerful

statestate► Social, Social,

economic economic rights rights dominatedominate

?

““Contemporary China is a Contemporary China is a swirl of colors...”swirl of colors...”

►Use current sources to look for evidence Use current sources to look for evidence of each cultural theme.of each cultural theme.

►Where do we see these three “colors” in Where do we see these three “colors” in the scenes and lives of modern China?the scenes and lives of modern China?

Wang Guangyi

Wang Guangyi

Additional Resources:Additional Resources:

►China Digital TimesChina Digital Times, good source for , good source for articles from around the globe.articles from around the globe.

►BBC China topic pageBBC China topic page, with current , with current articles and media.articles and media.

►New York Times China pageNew York Times China page, many , many current articles, images, videos.current articles, images, videos.

►The EconomistThe Economist, country overviews and , country overviews and forecast.forecast.