The Relationship Between Hui And Zang Nationalities During The Age Of The Republic Of China In Gansu And Qinghai

Gansu and Qinghai are multiethnic areas with complicated relationship among nationalities. Since modern times, the relationship between Hui and Zang nationalities becomes a leading force in this area. The economic connection forms one aspects of the relationship. Levels of economic structure as well as different characters of Hui and Zang nationalities provide their association with golden opportunities, enriching the content of society. Political relations constitute another one. From the late of Qing dynasty to the age of the Republic of China, during the formation of an orderly society, the Hui society gradually manifests its solid cohesion and increasing social force. Warlords of Hui nationality come upon the historical stage and act as rulers of northwest ethnics. Thus, these factors cause fundamental pattern transformations in ethnical relationship, leading the political connection of these two nationalities to a new phase. In order to govern the Gansu and Qinghai area abidingly and stably, the warlords carry out the ruling policies in this vast area to achieve their goals. On the one hand, they practice unified administrative system, that is. establishing county and village system, which strikes the feudal tribe system as well as the hereditary Qianbaihu system; on the other hand, they set up schools and push the modern educational system, forcing the children of upper-class family to receive education. Owing to these measures, the Zang society experienced dramatic changes. Objectively speaking, progress can be seen in their action of unifying political system. However, since it touched the traditional structure and interests in Zang society, the relationship between the two nations tend to be more intricate. The intricate relationship involves the seeking for interests of ruling circle, representing as oppression policy of nationalities, and political integration pushed by strengthening regional relationships among nationalities, which contributes to maintain the stability and unification of the northwest. Profound study of the relationship will shed light on the characteristics of northwest ethnics and features of social pattern during the age of the Republic of China.