Picturing the Laoxikai Incident (1916-1917): An Interpretation of Nationalist Discourses through Press Cartoons
Résumé
A hundred years ago, a large protest movement was sparked by Tianjin urban citizens against the expansion project of the French Concession of Tianjin into the Laoxikai District. During six months, demonstrations and boycotts targeted French commercial interests at local and national levels. While the diplomatic settlement of the Laoxikai incident was suffering from many delays, the Tianjin Chamber of commerce led a massive general strike in the French Concession. Local elites thus provided a decisive contribution in both leadership and funding support. Besides, local press played a crucial part in launching a press campaign, which covered the diplomatic negociations and relayed protest actions. Among Tianjin newspapers, the Yishibao was particularly active. In addition to publishing daily reports, expressive caricatures were used to expose ideological standpoints and discussions emerging from urban public opinion. Through the analysis of these caricatures, this paper aims to examine nationalist conceptions and expectations in the 1910s, soon after the overthrow of the Imperial regime and the establishment of the Republican government. These visual materials reflect major shifts in the formulation of patriotic discourses regarding territorial sovereignty and citizenship. Not only did press vocabulary and illustrations denounce territorial encroachments from imperialist powers, but they also disclosed conflicting political views. For instance, press slogans urged for the central State to take a stronger role, while advocating a greater level of local autonomy. Although such aspirations could not be achieved, they represented a significant step towards an activist framework for other protest movements and ideological debates, especially during the May Fourth Movement. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Laoxikai incident, this paper undertakes to further clarify the nationalist implications of this event, which remains largely neglected in research studies.