In the early 1930s,foreign capitalists had become an integral part of the power structure in Shanghai.There have been simplistic and polarizing views about their behavior in the Sino-Japanese conflict.However,a closer examination of historical events reveals the complexity of their motives.Their true intention was to suppress the counter-foreign trade movement and maintain their privileges.The war of resistance was not only a national struggle,but also a class struggle.The collective consciousness of foreign capitalists was shaped by their dual social existence.As aristocrats nurtured by extraterritorial rights,they sought to suppress popular movements in China to protect their privileges.However,as the progressive bourgeoisie,they introduced modern values to the Chinese people.The popular counter-foreign trade movement in China exposed their vul-nerability.As Marx argued,they found themselves caught in a dilemma,unable to enjoy both their wealth and power.The Chinese people continued to resist foreign trade,and they,in turn,resorted to the use of force to achieve their goals.This interaction was one of the social roots of the limited violence and harm that occurred during the Sino-Japanese conflict.
NETL
NSTL
维普
万方数据
