Changing China

"Changing China" by William Gascoyne-Cecil, assisted by Lady Florence Cecil, is a recount of the significant changes happening in China during a period of political chaos and social change. Inspired by their work as missionaries, the authors focus on the importance of Western-style education and Christian impact on the developing Chinese population. After being changed by their time with the China Emergency Committee and a trip around China, the authors illustrate a major shift from China’s old-fashioned ways to a growing desire for progress, shown through both Western influence and Chinese nationalism. They bring attention to the two important forces that started this change: an increased need for education as a result of China's recent troubles, and the effect of Christian beliefs on how modern Chinese people think. Using stories and observations, they show how these changes could affect China and the rest of the world.