3.3 Attacks on Mao's political and class enemies Flashcards
Why was Mao able to purge Liu and Deng by the end of 1965?
Liu and Deng were pragmatists. Mao believed this was not a suited for the future for the revolution. Mao gained support of those in the Politburo that had once heavily supported Liu and Deng which allowed him to attack Wu Han which would subsequently reduce Liu and Deng from their power
What happened to Liu and Deng between 1966 and 1969?
- They were pushed from their high status
- They were both formally dismissed in 1966
- Wall posters appeared that denounced them for betraying the revolution
- The position of president, formally appointed to Liu, was scrapped in 1969
What happened to Deng?
Sent to a correctional labour facility and later rehabilitated in 1973 after Mao’s death
What happened to Liu?
Him and his wife were beaten by a mob and then put through struggle sessions. He was then imprisoned with conditions intended to deteriorate his health. He was denied access to a hospital and died in 1969 after contracting pneumonia.
What role had Lin Biao played prior to the Cultural Revolution?
Lin had played an important role in the Civil War. He was also appointed the defence minister in 1959 which put him in charge of the PLA. He pushed to politicise the PLA by abolishing ranks and spreading communism by the “Little Red Book”
Why was Lin Biao important to Mao?
Lin created Mao’s personality cult as well as organising political rallies with the PLA. The PLA became a more radical force under Lin Biao
What evidence is there to suggest Lin Biao never wanted to become more powerful?
He had reluctantly taken the role of defence minister in 1959. Refusing the decisions made by the Party Central Committee would definitely end his career. His main role was enforcing everything that Mao said - which could have been done for his own safety
Why was Lin’s poor health significant?
He gave others many of his tasks were reluctant to take new ones due to his own health issues. As he grew older he became more reclusive and distant
Why did Mao decide to remove Lin?
- After the radical phase of the Cultural revolution, the PLA was of less importance to Mao as he did not require a driving force. This made Lin less vital in maintaining this connection
- Lin had become too popular and his looming “successor” was a threat to him
- Furthermore, Jiang (Mao’s wife) had fallen out with Lin
What impact did Jiang Qing have on collapsing relationship between Lin and Mao?
Jiang (Mao’s wife) had fallen out with Lin over her interference with military matters
How did Mao attack Lin?
- Undermined Lin’s allies such as Chen Boda who was arrested for “factional behaviour”
- Filled Military Affair’s commission with Mao supporters to push Lin out of power
What is the official version of events regarding Lin’s death?
- Lin and his son were planning on assassinating Mao and seizing power in a military coup.
- Upon discovery of this plot, Lin and his son attempted to flee to Russia.
- Their plane “crashed” in Mongolia, with both dying.
- It is believed that it was either because of a lack of fuel from hurried evacuation or the pilot flew too low to be avoided by Radar.
What impact did Lin’s death have on Mao?
Mao sent into a period of depression in which is health never fully recovered.
Lin was Mao’s principal supporter and his loss would have been difficult for Mao.
How did Jiang Qing attacked Lin after his death?
Jiang launched Media campaign to discredit Lin by accusing him of being a soviet spy.
Public called on to “criticise Lin Biao and Confucius” that implied Lin was a modern reincarnation of Confucius.
Who were the potential candidates to replace Mao and why were they limited?
- Zhou Enlai was too old and moderate
- Jiang Qing had personal enemies
- Zhang Chunquiao had little support
- Party factions increased and people wanted to become the successor after Mao
