American images of China, 1931-1949
By: T. Chistopher Jespersen.
Publisher: Stanford University Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Stanford, Calif
Language: eng
Number of pages: 254
Subjects: Luce, Henry Robinson, 1898-1967; Public opinion -- United States -- History -- 20th century; China -- Foreign public opinion, American -- History -- 20th century
Description: This book shows how the notion of the Chinese as aspiring Americans helped shape American opinion and policies toward Asia for almost twenty years. This notion derived less from the reality of Chinese historical or cultural similarities than from a projection of American values and culture; in the American view, fueled by various political, economic, and religious interests, China was less a geographical entity than a symbol of American hopes and fears.

One of the more important consequences was the idealization of China and the demonization of Japan.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [235]-247) and index.