China’s National Bourgeoisie in Revolution | Generated by AI
民族资产阶级 (mínzú zīchǎn jiējí) translates to “national bourgeoisie” in English.
In 1920s-1930s China, this term referred to Chinese capitalists and business owners who owned domestic enterprises - as opposed to foreign capitalists or comprador bourgeoisie (买办资产阶级) who were seen as serving foreign interests.
Key characteristics:
The national bourgeoisie emerged from China’s nascent industrialization and included:
- Owners of Chinese textile mills, flour mills, and light industries
- Domestic bankers and merchants
- Small to medium factory owners
Political significance:
This class held a contradictory position in Chinese revolutionary theory:
- They opposed foreign imperialism and wanted Chinese economic independence
- They supported modernization and some political reforms
- But they also feared radical social revolution that might threaten property rights
- They were economically weak compared to foreign capital and needed state protection
In Communist analysis:
Mao Zedong and other Chinese Communists distinguished the national bourgeoisie from the comprador bourgeoisie, viewing them as potential allies in the anti-imperialist struggle, even while recognizing them as vacillating and unreliable due to their class interests. This distinction became important in developing united front strategies during the revolutionary period.
The concept remained significant in PRC political discourse even after 1949, particularly during campaigns like the Three-Anti and Five-Anti movements in the early 1950s.