Mobilization in everyday life of the population of Trans-Baikal Region during the period of “Chinese complications” (1900-1901)

Abstract

The object of this research is the everyday life of Trans-Baikal Region during the military-political conflict. The official name of the conflict was “Military Campaign in China 1900-1901”, but in common practice it was called “Chinese complications” and “danger on the borders”. The subject of this research is mobilization in everyday life of the population of Trans-Baikal Region during the period of “Chinese complications” (1900-1901). The author examines the impact of mobilization upon life of the population, which behavioral strategies and psychological reactions were prevalent, assessments of the population regarding the causes of the conflict and its consequences for Trans-Baikal region, what and what language was used to describe it. In the analysis of newspaper materials, the article employed the methods of determining semantic-lexical elements; considered the methodological ideas of studying everyday life as a correlation between power strategies and tactics of everyday life. It was established that the population identified mobilization with uncontrolled natural disasters and catastrophic events, such as crop setback, floods, and large-scale epizootics. Mobilization alongside the Russia-China conflict overall, did not entail a surge of anti-Chinese sentiments, although incited xenophobia. The author explores the main issues of everyday life determined by mobilization and measures taken by the regional authorities aimed at ensuring security of the border areas and preventing famine. Analysis is conducted on the ideological and informational role of the church. The Trans-Baikal Church led the charity work, and all priests were authorized to accept donations.