The primary aim of the author of this book is to present the reader with the story of political revolution in China in the early twentieth century. He demonstrates this by analyzing the happenings and aftermath of the May 1919 Beijing demonstrations.
He argues that these demonstrations gave way for political transformation in China, which the people of China are enjoying its fruits today.
Mitter brings out the assertion that the main agenda of these demonstrations was to disconnect China from ancient ties to Confucianism and establish sound development and democracy. He offers the readers with the central theme of transformation of society sparked by the demonstrations.
The introduction of the book starts with the description of demonstrations held on May 4th 1919. The author conveys that students from various Universities and colleges held these protests demanding Justice for China in the global arena.
These demonstrations caught the attention of the police, who arrested thirty two of the protestors. The author also presents the name that sparked out of the incidence; the “May Fourth Movement.”
He argues that even though these demonstrations did not involve many people, they served as a benchmark for the transformation of the future politics of China in the preceding generations. Mitter clearly demonstrates this by analyzing specific occurrences, changes and ideas that constantly developed through time.
The Author provides the readers with a precise development of China from the date of these demonstrations to modern day China. He presents the outcomes of the great revolution that occurred due to the 4th May demonstrations.
He makes the readers understand that this was a great day for China. During the time of the 4th May demonstrations, there was fragmentation in the politics of China and there were only 2800 students in the Universities.
To present a clear picture and offer comprehensive development of the revolution, the author describes the actual happenings of the demonstrations. In this case, Matter describes how these college and University students beat up a former minister and then set his house on fire.
In addition, Mitter provides a detailed description of the origin and development of communism that the new movement sought to eliminate. This description starts from past years of Imperial and Republican China through to the events of May 1919.
He makes readers realize that the students who came after the 1919 demonstrations provided a fertile ground and the personality required for the transformation depicted by contemporary China. These students initiated the ideas as well as the political viewpoints that transformed China into a more modern state.
The author also provides a comparison between the development of China and their Asian neighbor Japan. Mitter clearly demonstrates that Japan was much ahead of China in development and modernization.
Development of Japan started far off in the mid 19th Century while that of China started in the early 20th Century after the May 1919 protests. In the mid 19th Century, Japan started constructing modern railways, steel plants, universities as well as shipyards. In addition, Mitter claims that Japan had the support of central authority as well as unified banks, military and industry.
China in contrast lacked harmonization in politics and governance and it was an agricultural society. In addition, colonial powers controlled and dominated most of the costal cities of the country.
Moreover, the universities present during those times were sub-standard and inadequate to accommodate the population of the country. However, Mitter presents the premise that China had a transformation and an awakening spirit similar to that of Russia but lacked the political will and support to sparkle the revolution.
This comparison is very essential since it offers readers with the political and social reasons for the May 1919 demonstrations. With this comparison, the readers can clearly understand the situations leading to the revolution hence comprehend the major theme of the book.
The Author then portrays the transformation that occurred in the years following the demonstrations. Major social and economic transformations marked this period in China.
There were many working people, increased number of women in the workforce, academic development and social freedom. In addition to social and economic transformation, there were also hallmark changes in the politics of China. The author analyzes Communism viewpoints, west strategies and increased nationalism.
This period also experienced various cultural transformation, all connected to the May Fourth movement. For example, one major cultural transformation was the recognition of the rights of women.
Before the revolution, men dominated women in many aspects including political, social and economic issues. After the revolution, the society considered the needs and habits of women as identical to those of men.
In addition, the students who came after the movement had a great stake in the development of science and democracy of modern China. One of the major academics was Chen Duxiu who was the founder of the popular magazine “New Youth.”
The author argues that Chen supported the input of science in transforming the politics of China. Chen also believed that democracy was necessary for inflicting morality in the society instead of just being a political system. Matter presents this argument in a clear and elaborate way, making the readers comprehend the role of education and thinkers in the revolution.
Towards the end of the book, Mitter cautions the readers from taking the stand that the demonstrations of May 4th 1919 were the only movers of development in China.
He argues that the modernization and development of China might have occurred due to other factors including the collapse of the Soviet Union and the termination of cold war.
He demonstrates that the happenings of May 4th alone could not have brought about the revolution. Rather, the acceptance and practice of the ideas that accrued from this occasion triggered the revolution.
Mitter addresses diverse audience in this book including newcomers, who would read about the history of China. However, the author convinces the readers that this book is not necessarily meant to provide the history of China. Rather, the major aim of the book is to offer readers with events that transformed the politics of China.
The book contains a guide for further reading especially for those readers triggered by the proceedings of the book. The book has a good organization and flow that provides the readers with an inspirational history of China. It is a good book that any reader interested in the history and politics of China would definitely find interesting.
The author however did not clearly present a detailed history of China before the May fourth demonstrations. This would have been of great importance to the readers since they would have detailed information concerning the need for revolution.
However, the book portrays some information regarding the state of China before the demonstrations, which a keen reader can interpret for further clarification.