2.2 The Communes Flashcards
1
Q
Why did Mao launch the communes?
A
- To maximise food production
- To accelerate industrial growth
- Ideologically to prevent the revolution losing impetus
- The first commune was Sputnik, established in the Henan province in April 1958
2
Q
What activities would be organised through the People’s communes?
A
- Water conservancy
- Farming
- Civil engineering
- Production of steel and grain
3
Q
When was the Eighth Party Congress?
A
1958
4
Q
What was announced at the Eighth Party Congress?
A
The radical new policy initiative, The Three Red Banners
- The Great Leap Froward
5
Q
What did Mao mean by ‘walking on two legs’?
A
Developing industry and agriculture at the same time
6
Q
How many communes were created between 1958-1960?
A
26,000 communes
7
Q
List 4 Benefits of Communal Living
A
- Women would be freed from domestic work and childcare
- Higher food yields
- Eliminate class distinction
- Ideal style of communist living
8
Q
What was Mao’s main ideological reasons for pressing ahead with the communes?
A
- It provided a better way of life for peasants
- Epitome of communist ideology
- Wanted self sufficiency
- Made use of the huge population - mass mobilisation
9
Q
List 4 drawbacks of communal living
A
- Villagers had no privacy and often stayed in the same houses or communal dorms
- Motivation to work hard decreased
- Loss control of land, private property, personal freedom, motivation, family life
- Really hard to leave (internal passports)
