Chapter 11: Mao's death and his impact

Question 1

When did Mao die?

Answer 1

9th September 1976

Question 2

Who immediately succeeded Mao when he died?

Answer 2

Hua Guofeng

Question 3

What serious tactical error did the Gang of Four commit after Mao died?

Answer 3

• They ignored the basic Maoist principles of guerrilla warfare , that when faced with a superior enemy force they should withdraw to a secure base area.
• They had a secure base area in Shanghai, but they remained in Beijing.
• With the support of the PLA, Hua arrested the Gang of Four.

Question 4

Who succeeded Hua in 1978?

Answer 4

Deng Xiaoping

Question 5

What were some of Mao’s qualities and talents as a leader?

Answer 5

• Great Charisma
• intelligent
• visionary
• Philosopher
• political and military strategist

Question 6

What were some limitations to Mao’s qualities as a leader?

Answer 6

• He was no administrator
• He had no enthusiasm for the mundane day-to-day business of government
• He had a limited understanding of economics
• Little grasp of foreign affairs

Question 7

What were Mao’s achievements?

Answer 7

• United China from a country of warlodism and civil war
• Created a strong central government in Beijing
• Made China a great power, the acquired Nuclear weapons and entered the space race
• Progress towards greater equality towards women
• Population became healthier and better educated
• Apart from Great Leap Forward, food production kept pace with growing population
• Improved communications and infrastructure
• Significant industrial development
• Net output of industry grew at an annual rate of 10.2% much higher than the international average between 1957-1979

Question 8

What were some costs of Mao’s rule?

Answer 8

• Many millions died from violence and famine
• Indifference to the concept of human rights. The state exercised the law in an arbitrary way
• By 1970’s China had reached an economic plateau and economic growth was slowing down.
• They became isolated further from foreign countries due to the cultural revolution.
• They didn’t have access to foreign and better technology
• The attack on intellectuals and the disruption of education due to the cultural revolution meant a whole generation were discouraged to innovate and experiment.
• Inequality gap between peasants and city dwellers and CPC leaders grew.