Introduction
The rise of communism and totalitarianism in modern China was characterized by new technologies and ideologies as the traditional ones were abolished. The significance of modernization had greater impact on certain intellectuals who despite being brought up in the traditional lifestyle had already experienced westernized culture and were educated. Several factors contributed to the rise of modernization in China some of which are discussed below.
Political implication of the Chinese political tradition
The contribution of political implications in the rise of communism in China occurred as a result of the involvement of a political party, China Communist Party (CCP) which was previously involved in dirty politics such as terror attacks and other evil dealings. However, during the rise of communism, the CCP contributed in a positive way rather than the evil ways by making use of the resources it had acquired during its evil operations.
This was because they had good knowledge of all evil deeds surrounding them. Therefore, the CCP forced the people into communism using their evil ways rather than letting them decide whether they want it or not. However, the CCP used the ideologies of Marxism-Leninism to influence people into communism and totalitarianism (Peter, 2005, p. 1). Although the party used force and other evil ways, there was a righteous side of CCP as it chose the right thing which in this case was communism and total modernization.
Confucian culture
Confucianism has had great contribution not only in China, but also in many other Asian countries. China has specifically benefited by adapting Confucian ideologies which have contributed in the modernization of China. The basics of adapting Confucianism in modernizing China was not necessarily involving reinstatement of Confucianism but rather using Confucianism in the modernization process by making use of the good side of it while getting rid of those which are may be harmful to the people.
For instance, one of the most significant aspects of Confucianism that was adapted in modernizing China was its ideology of acquiring knowledge through learning. This has been evident in the excellent performance in sciences among Asian students especially those in China since this is where the most impact of Confucianism on education was felt.
This has consequently led to economic growth of China as well as industrial growth. Therefore, Confucianism can be considered as a powerhouse to economic growth in China among other factors. This is because it not only involves government accountability, but also advocacy towards the government.
A century of foreign invasion and historical trauma
Due to power struggles, China had initially been divided due to struggles between the China Communist Party and another party, the KMT which occupied most of the urban areas while the CCP occupied most of the rural regions. However, the invasion of China by Japan became the origin of modernization in China following the formation of the People’s Republic of China. Additionally, the KMT was receiving funds from the United Sates to take control over the Chinese cities.
The resultant Peoples’ Republican of China is what brought about adverse changes in China in economy, culture and social sectors (Peter, 2005, p. 1). Among the contribution of this was the alliance of China with Russia against Japan. Following the death of Mao, the founder of Peoples; Republic of China, younger leaders took over power and advocated for modernization in agriculture, technology, national security and industry.
Influence of the Russian communist evolution
The most infamous experiment by Russia was probably the communist revolution which was established by Karl Marx. He is the man who brought about the ideology of revolution. Although modernization in China was greatly influenced by Mao, he was influenced by the ideologies of Marxism as he was very intelligent though not educated. Following a massacre in China that led to great suffering to the people, acceptance of younger leaders was set as well as philosophies of Karl Marx on communism.
This is what led many Chinese citizens to join various revolutionary groups including political groups with a unified objective of bringing change to their nation. During the great revolution that was started by Karl Max, China development various movements which paved the way towards communism (Peter, 2005, p 1). During this time, Mao was massively accepted and following a study on Marxism, a china communist party was formed.
The May 4th movement
This was probably the first mass movement in Chinese political history. It was held by university students in China to protest the Japanese who were taking over part of China. Following this movement, demonstrations and strikes were held and consequent boycott of Japanese goods in China. It was against foreign imperialists in their bid to promote urban intellectuals. These intellectuals identified China’s political failures and turned China’s traditions into modern ideologies in various aspects.
The most significance influence of the movement was the introduction of reforms in education, facilitation of women participation in political affairs and introduction of modern ideas in vernacular traditions. The students were just pioneers of the movement as the adult intellectuals took over the political stage. Existing intellectual leaders supported the movement and began playing significant role in it.
Reference List
Peter, B. (2005). Totalitarianism. Web.