The Social and Cultural Progress of China in 20th Century
The Social and Cultural Progress of China in 20th Century
In the aspect of social culture, China mainland has changed a lot in last century. Generally, it can be said that China has experienced three ages in the significance of culture during this period.
The first, from 1911 to 1919, the early years of Republic of China, the social culture changed from ancient age to early modern period. In those years, the upper and elite class tried to recall the self-confident and self-respect of traditional culture of China. Besides, they also wanted to form a new shape of Chinese culture.
These men brought up a new system of language, which we regard as modern Chinese. And the western culture and life styles came in, many people, especially those lived in eastern coastal cities, were impacted.
The collapse of Qing Empire made elite people eager to the democracy and science, so as the man and woman on the street.
However, the strong power of conservatism showed a great self-respect of ancient culture, it became a barrier of people for seeking real development and lifting restrictions of society and culture. The elite people was only a small part of the whole society, and the individuals did not have enough power to change the Chinese culture totally. Though, the few elites did quite a lot any way.
The second, after the uprising of May 4, 1919, it was a long time for China mainland to develop the modernization. From 1919 to 1989, it was 70 years of the modern age in China.