Investigation On The Social Cause Of The Shanghai Association Of The Republic Of China (1912-1937)

Trade Associations had a significant impact on social development of China, not only in economic terms, but also in terms of social undertakings. While Shanghai was Chinese economic center,therewere plenty of Trade Associations in the Republic of China.The number and size of Trade Associationsin Shanghai are in a leading position. I selectthe textile industry, the banking industry and the cotton business industry in Shanghai asstudy objects,because these three industries were then representatives of the industrial, the financial sectorand the business, at the same time, the development of these three trade associations grew better. They had relatively sound internal management and had a certain influence on the society.Social undertakings of Association were involved in almost all aspects of society. This paper mainly investigated from two perspectives of social welfare and education, while political donationwas a brief introduction. Associationsin the Republic of China set up the schools and donated to other educational organizations. These schools aimed to taught students science and culture or skills of their work. During this period the performance of the three associations in education varied. Shanghai Textile Industry Association and the Banking Associationmainlycontributed to high education, however the number was not large, and most of the educational activities and objects wererelated to the development of this industry. Shanghai cotton industry Association established two schools the Zhenhua justice schooland the evening classes. They taught a wealth of knowledge. The management of schools wasprofessional. The expenditures clarified. Shanghai cotton industry Association had a special account "Yi Jiao Hu" to manage educational money. The Zhenhua justice school had a fund.The social contribution of Trade Associationswasmainly donation. According to all kinds of objects or purposes, Donationswere divided into general donations, disaster donations as well as donations of war. Shanghai Banking Association with strong capital adequacy greatly contributed to the public welfare.It had a huge amount in many terms and played an important role.The textile industry Association and the cotton business Association participated more, but the amount was less. These three TradeAssociations actively participated in social education and philanthropy, bringing benefits for the people.Theyplayed positive roles for the stability of Chinese society and the economic development of Shanghai.