Rationale of Mao Era Regional Museums in the Construction of China Political History and Culture, 1949-1978

Zhang Zhi Yu Zhiyu Zhang, Mahani Musa

Abstract


With the proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, China's central government under Mao Zedong faced a test for political legitimacy. The complex domestic and international political situation had elevated the image of the new ruling party to the level of constructor of cultural identity for the regime. The central government had utilized the ability of regional museums to visualize and disseminate ideological ideas, making them indispensable venues for promoting the spirit of the new China. Many newly built regional museums subsequently disseminate the revolutionary image of the central government as a dedicated entity looking after the people. Through the concept of 'cultural relics presenting history', historical evidence were identified so as to fit in the spirit of the new China which has contributed to the identification of Chinese political history and culture. This study uses qualitative research including field visits to relevant exhibitions in Chinese regional museums and documentary analysis to dwelt into the shaping of Chinese regional museums and the political history and culture of the new China from 1949 to 1978. The study aims to fill the gaps with regards Chinese regional museums in the construction of Chinese political history and culture.


Keywords


Mao Zedong Era; Regional Museums; New China; Political Identity: Cultural Formation

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