Sinocentrism: A Mobilizing Force?

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that sinocentrism was not a significant mobilizing force of the Chinese peasantry in the 19th century, when British imperialism began to face a strong opposition from the Chinese people. Instead, the essay asserts that it was British aggression more than anything else that led to the coalescence of the peasants.

From the Paper:

"The 19th century was a time of significant unrest and turmoil in China, as British imperialism flexed its considerable muscle, and internal strife ate away at the unity of China. There were several significant rebellions during this time period, and a number of fundamental changes in Chinese society and culture seemed to be taking shape. Amidst all of this activity, militias of Chinese peasants were gathered in order to combat their enemies. Sinocentrism, a rather widespread phenomenon during this time, was the feeling on the part of the Chinese that China was the center of the world and that all foreign states were inferior. Some may argue that sinocentrism played a significant role in the mobilization of the peasantry, but there were a number of other much more significant factors that contributed to the military organization. The foreigners that had invaded China imposed unfair policies on the Chinese, perpetrated various crimes upon the people, and even stole their children away from them. The peasant uprisings were much more a response to these actions than an expression of sinocentrism."

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