On The Ningshu Opening Up Wasteland Committee's Administration In Ethnic Affairs During The Anti-Japanese War

Chinese Modern History Major Postgraduate: Aniu Quhamo Supervisor:Hou Dechu AbstractSince the Anti-Japanese war broke out, most land of China were soon occupied by Japanese or turned into war zones. With the Guo mindang and the industries of East China moving to the west one after another, western China, the rear area was forced to bear the responsibilities of the production of mineral products, industrial crops, foods and industrial materials. The construction of Ningshu of Xikang was placed on agenda of the Anti-Japanese war, for it was rich in natural resources, but has not been developed well for the hindrance of traffic, funds and technique etc.Administration in ethnic affairs was an important content of the construction of Ningshu. Committee of Opening up Wasteland was founded in 1939 to conduct the ethnic affairs. The committee developed the minorities by suppression and appeasement, education and economic development. 1934-1941 was the beginning of the administration of ethnic affairs. 1941-1945 was the all-round administration of the ethnic affairs. Supported by LiuWenhui, the administration was in full swing. Many measures were taken to appease and inculcate the minorities, such as setting political instruction zones, establishing ethnic schools, developing social education in ethnic areas and improving the ethnic customs. In addition, methods were used to develop the economy as building road, opening up wasteland, founding farms andenhancing the communication between Han and minorities. It had marked success during those years. After 1945, the administration managed by LiuYuanxuan changed directions and strategies, so the effect became weaker.Achievements were made by the Committee of Opening up Wasteland in various ethnic affairs. The committee organized people to reclaim wasteland, which increased the grain supply in Ningshu, established the balance between supply and demand of Ningshu in some extent. Also, the committee improved the hygiene custom of the Yi nationality in slave society of Liangshan with enlightening methods. The committee really promoted the social causes of economy, culture and hygiene of Ningshu.Generally speaking, the administration of ethnic affairs, however, seemed to be hasty without a long-term plan for the Guo mindang and the local government had complicated intentions to develop Ningshu and the committee was an emergency program in the Anti-Japanese war. Some administrative plans became a mere formality, because of the turbulent situation, limited financial support and language barrier. Moreover, with the utilitarianism of the governors, the policy of exploitation of resources was carried out rather than a reasonable plan and a long-term construction in the administration and development of Ningshu, which was a main flaw in the administration of Ningshu.