This book examines how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has attempted to bolster its nationalist legitimacy through the utilisation of Chinese history. The authors identify two different modes of nationalism - aggressive and consensual - both of which are linked to the historical memory of the late Qing Dynasty and Republican era. Aggressive nationalism dwells on Chinäs traumatic ¿century of humiliation¿ and is intended to incite popular resentment towards former imperialist powers (particularly Japan and the US) whenever they are deemed to still be acting in a provocative manner in their dealings with China. The aim is to remind the Chinese people that the CCP liberated China from imperialism after 1949 and has since restored national pride. Consensual nationalism is more conciliatory, emphasising common historical ties with the Guomindang (KMT) during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Republican era. Here, the CCP is trying to promote itself as the party of national harmony andunity, with the long-term objective being peaceful reunification with Taiwan. However, the public response in China has not always been supportive of the CCP¿s claims to be the sole defender of Chinese national interests. Some critics have suggested that China would have been better off if the KMT had won the civil war instead of the CCP. Others have insisted that the party is hopelessly weak on issues of national importance and that China is no stronger now than it was during the final throes of the much-hated Qing Dynasty. This book will be of interest to research students and scholars of Chinese politics, history and international relations.

Studies the interaction between the mandate of the CCP to rule China and its national education on contemporary Chinese history

Introduction.- 1. Turning to Nationalism - Another Crisis of Regime Legitimacy for the CCP.- 2. Aggressive Nationalism - Utilising the Yuanmingyuan Incident.- 3. Aggressive Nationalism - The Legacy of Japanese Imperialism in China.- 4. Consensual Nationalism - The KMT and the Second Sino-Japanese War.- 5. Consensual Nationalism - The Republican Era and the Rise of Republican Fever.- Conclusion.