Why Did the Communist Revolution Originally Seek to Quell Confucianism?

Communism has long been thought of in western culture as the source of all evil. Communism in China had it 's beginnings during the 1920 's and its belief system was in sharp contrast to that of Confucianism. From the beginning of the 1200 's to about 1949 and the beginning of the communist era Confucianism dominated Chinese sociopolitical life, obviously for the largest part of the Chinese history. Through the "Mandate of Heaven" it was determined that the emperors were to rule the Chinese empire by divine command. Because of this philosophy, the people of China did not question the people that governed them and lived their lives by this system of social virtues. The Communist party has officially governed China for more than sixty years, and during this time there have been a small number of significant objections to the regime. Thus, even as China enters a new era of economic growth and success the Communist rule is still strong. Yet, the leaders of the party are recognizing the need for adaptation as they are undergoing significant change.

During the establishment of Communism within China one of the main objectives was to put an end to all aspects of Confucian philosophy which dominated the Chinese life. "Confucianism is not a real religion but more a lifestyle. Many Chinese people like to live in the holy lifestyle of this philosopher and believe in the power of his theories. Respect for hierarchic structures in the family and the society makes men aware that he is part of a bigger social structure." (Zanen, 2007, para 3). Communism on the other hand departed from the mainstream thought of population. Mao Tse-Tung is regarded as the father of Communism within China. "Mao believed that all vestiges of Chinese traditional culture needed to be overturned. These included hsiao, or filial piety, Confucianism, monarchism, ancestor worship, religion, and the authority of elders. He saw the Chinese as dominated by three separate institutions: the state, the clan

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