The Analysis Of Shijin Dong’s Agronomy Ideology And Activities

In the1920s and1930s, the rural economy of China was on the brink of bankruptcy with severe problems. In order to solve these problems, many intellectuals went to villages to conduct investigations and test their salvation theory. Shijin Dong is such an intellectual who has put all his attention on the problems in rural China. He has some valuable insights on the issue of agriculture, farmer and rural area.This thesis is composed of five chapters. Chapter One probes into the source of Dong’s agronomy ideology from his education experience the social situation of modern China. With the influence of the slogan "national salvation," Shijin Dong decided to save China through agricultural development. Chapter Two introduces the development process of Dong’s agronomy ideology. During the process of his participation of the argument between "agricultural nation" and "industrial nation" to his investigation in rural areas, Dong’s agronomy ideology gradually becomes mature. Chapter Three concludes Dong’s agronomy ideology, including ideas of food production, birth control ideas, credit cooperative, agricultural economics, and agricultural education. All these ideas are Dong’s specific propositions to solve rural problems in China. Chapter Four makes an introduction of Dong’s agronomy practices. Jiangxi Agricultural Institute, established by Shijin Dong, is the first provincial agricultural organizations of education, research and promotion. After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, Dong went back to Chongqing. He established Agricultural Society of China, published the newspaper called "Modern farmers," and founded Daxin farm. After the war, he committed to the founding of China, and established Chinese Peasant Party which claims to represent the interests of farmers. Chapter Five makes a conclusion of Dong’s agronomy ideology and practices. This thesis makes an objective evaluation of Dong’s agronomy ideology from the aspects of the characteristics, positivity and limitation of his ideas. Based on literature analysis, charts, comparison, induction and other research methods, this thesis analyzes the relevant historical data to restore a real Shijin Dong.Through the investigation of Dong’s agronomy ideas and practices, it can be founded that without a stable social environment, it is unrealistic to solve the rural problems of China from reformism. At present, the social is stable, peaceful and prosperous. This thesis points out that the propositions on the issues of agriculture; farmer and rural area proposed by the intellectuals of the republican era have great significance for the production and construction of China today.