Like Cattle and Horses: Nationalism and Labor in Shanghai, 1895–1927

Like Cattle and Horses examines the rise of nationalism and labor movements in Shanghai during a period of rapid industrialization and social change. The book focuses on the experiences of Chinese workers as they navigated the dramatic transformations occurring between the First Sino-Japanese War and the Northern Expedition. S.A. Smith analyzes how workers developed class consciousness and nationalist sentiments through their interactions with foreign powers, local elites, and emerging political movements. The text draws on extensive archival research, including police reports, newspaper accounts, and worker testimonies from the period. The narrative tracks the evolution of labor organizations in Shanghai, from traditional guilds to modern unions, while exploring the complex relationship between worker identity and national identity. Factory conditions, strike actions, and everyday life in Shanghai's industrial districts form the core subject matter. This study contributes to broader scholarly discussions about the relationship between nationalism and class consciousness in emerging industrial societies. Through its examination of Shanghai's working class, the book offers insights into how modernization and nationalism shaped China's path in the early twentieth century.

Readers value this book's detailed analysis of labor movements and nationalism in Shanghai's industrial workforce. Several academic reviewers note Smith's extensive use of primary sources from Chinese archives to examine working conditions and unionization. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanation of relationships between workers and employers - Focus on specific industries like textile mills and railways - Integration of gender analysis in labor history Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style limits accessibility - Some sections get too granular with statistical details - Limited discussion of broader historical context Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Google Books: No ratings available Amazon: No consumer reviews, only 2 editorial reviews The Journal of Asian Studies review praised Smith's "meticulous research" but noted the book "requires careful reading and prior knowledge of Chinese history." A reviewer in The China Quarterly highlighted the book's contribution to understanding "how class consciousness emerged among Shanghai workers."

Making of the Chinese Industrial Workplace by Elizabeth J. Perry The transformation of Chinese labor relations from 1949 to the 1990s continues the historical narrative of Shanghai's working class through their struggles with management, state control, and industrial modernization.

Revolution and Its Past: Identities and Change in Modern Chinese History by R. Keith Schoppa This examination of Chinese nationalism from the late Qing through the twentieth century provides context for the labor movements and identity formation described in Smith's work.

Shanghai on Strike by Elizabeth Perry The political mobilization of Chinese workers in Shanghai from 1919 to 1927 expands on the labor movements and strike activities covered in Smith's analysis.

China's Urban Workers in the Cultural Revolution by Andrew G. Walder The evolution of labor politics and worker identity in Chinese cities from 1966 to 1976 builds upon the foundation of early twentieth-century labor history established in Smith's book.

The Power of Position: Beijing University, Intellectuals, and Chinese Political Culture by Timothy B. Weston The role of intellectuals and educational institutions in shaping Chinese nationalism and modernity during the same time period offers a complementary perspective to Smith's focus on labor movements.

🔹 While Shanghai was known for its cosmopolitan nature, S.A. Smith reveals that over 80% of the city's industrial workers in the early 20th century came from rural areas within 150 miles of the city, creating unique cultural tensions. 🔹 The book's title "Like Cattle and Horses" comes from a common phrase used by Chinese workers to describe their treatment by employers, reflecting the dehumanizing conditions in Shanghai's factories. 🔹 Author S.A. Smith conducted extensive research in Shanghai's Municipal Archives, accessing police reports and labor records that had been largely unexplored by Western historians before this work. 🔹 The book documents how female workers, particularly in Shanghai's cotton mills, played a crucial yet often overlooked role in early labor movements, making up nearly 70% of the textile workforce. 🔹 During the period covered by the book (1895-1927), Shanghai's industrial workforce grew from approximately 50,000 to over 500,000 workers, making it one of the fastest-growing industrial centers in Asia.