A Study Of Cultural Associations In Suiyuan Province(1928—1937)

During the period of the Republic of China,cultural associations were established as non-profit social groups aiming to enhance academic education,advocate culture and knowledge or improve customs.Between 1928 and 1937,the province of Suiyuan,located in the frontier of the Republic of China,made some progress in social development,and the cultural atmosphere became increasingly strong.Cultural associations came into being.The cultural associations in Suiyuan Province are mainly divided into four categories: literary and art associations,academic associations,social science associations and religious associations.The members who created and joined these associations were mostly well-educated local elites in the province of Suiyuan.They established journals and published articles to initiate activities and express their associations' proposal.Focusing on social and political issues,cultural associations' activities include promoting the dissemination of new cultures in Suiyuan Province,tracking the local issues in Suiyuan Province and providing related assessments and suggestions,assisting the government in implementing relevant policies,carrying out left-wing cultural movements and publicizing anti-Japanese national salvation.Due to various factors such as underdeveloped economy and frequent war,the existence of cultural associations in Suiyuan Province was relatively short.However,between 1928 and 1937,they fueled the cultural progress of Suiyuan Province,drove local development and social improvement in Suiyuan Province,strengthened the connection between Suiyuan and the outside world,and encouraged the people of Suiyuan Province to fight against Japan to defend their homeland.A systematic and in-depth study of the cultural associations in Suiyuan Province can make a contribution to a wider understanding of full history of Suiyuan Province in the Republic of China.