The Chinese People and Foreign Missionaries in China, 1900–1945

Abstract

Globalization is a popular concept that is often assumed to be a contemporary manifestation of cultural contact. However, the interactions between Chinese people and the numerous Christian missionaries in China during the twentieth century clearly indicate that globalization is by no means a recent phenomenon. In the first half of the twentieth century, Catholic missionaries ventured into China, learned the language, and engaged in cultural exchanges, putting them on the frontline of globalization. Globalization was widely implemented from 1900 onward. The Catholic missionaries brought their religion, culture, education, and language to China. This large-scale trend affected many people. The many missions in China involved families, schools, universities, churches, and governments. This globalization was tremendous in both its depth and its scale. Both Catholic and Protestant missionaries considered China an ideal place to settle and build missions. The missionaries were from throughout Europe, such as, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, and the Americas – the United States and Canada.