Century of Humiliation

The "Century of Humiliation" (roughly 1839–1949) is a foundational narrative in modern Chinese history, extensively taught through the country's education system, promoted in state media, and embedded in political rhetoric by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Since the 1990s, the CCP has intensified "patriotic education," making this period a compulsory part of school curricula from elementary levels onward. Given that education is mandatory in China for at least nine years and literacy rates exceed 97%, it’s reasonable to infer that nearly all Chinese citizens with formal schooling—essentially the vast majority of the population—have been exposed to this historical concept.

Additionally, the narrative is reinforced through cultural channels like museums (e.g., the "Road to Revival" exhibit), television, and public events tied to national milestones. For example, Mao Zedong’s 1949 proclamation that China had "stood up" after a century of humiliation is a widely recognized moment, and Xi Jinping’s speeches frequently reference this era to frame China’s modern ambitions. This saturation suggests awareness is extremely high, likely approaching 100% among adults who’ve grown up under this system.

A 2024 study surveying 1,890 Chinese netizens found that invoking the "Century of Humiliation" in a controlled experiment significantly influenced respondents’ sense of national identity and suspicion of foreigners, especially among those without college degrees (who make up about 93% of the population, given only 7% have post-secondary education). This implies not just awareness but an emotional connection for many.