China Post 1949 Flashcards
What motivated the movement away from Mao’s ideology during the Cultural Revolution?
The abandonment of inefficient Great Leap Forward (GLF) industrial enterprises and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with 25,000 closed. Re-opening of private rural markets provided an incentive for surplus stock. Additionally, 30 million peasants were rehoused from cities to the countryside.
What was the Socialist Education Movement (SEM) established by Mao in 1963?
The SEM aimed to expose the ‘reactionaries’ responsible for the failure of the GLF through ‘four clean ups.’ It re-emphasized class struggle and the importance of peasants as upholders of the revolution.
What were Mao’s fears regarding the revolutionary spirit after the GLF?
Mao feared the increasing conservatism of the population post-GLF and the visibility of the political elite in Zhongnanhai.
What vulnerabilities did Mao face within the CCP?
Mao’s fears included the Conference of 7 Thousand echoing the 1959 Lushan Conference, disagreements with President Liu Shaoqi about corruption, and the success of proto-capitalist policies, including a deficit of 8 billion yuan converted into a surplus of 1 million by 1962.
What was the movement to strengthen the Cult of Mao?
Internal and external threats, such as Soviet revisionism, led to the promotion of Mao’s ideology. Lin Biao’s initiatives included the Diary of Lei Feng and the production of the Little Red Book. The ‘Gang of Four,’ led by Jiang Qing, aimed to attack ‘traditional’ and ‘feudalist’ themes.
What was the role of the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution?
Mao used students, known as the ‘Red Guards,’ to rebel against the party and government. This led to significant social disruption, including struggle sessions targeting ‘corrupt’ officials and intellectuals, resulting in an estimated 400,000 deaths.
What were the four olds and four rights?
Olds: Customs, Habits, Culture, Ideas. Rights: Protest, Open criticism, Denunciation, Dazi Bao.
What characterized the Red Guard factionalism during the Cultural Revolution?
The rebels and Red Guards clashed over ideology and leadership, attempting to seize power across the country, leading to urban chaos and a civil war atmosphere.
What was the significance of ‘Up to the mountains, down to the villages’?
This stage involved military restoration of power, with Lin Biao named as Mao’s successor. It included the Sino-Soviet border clash and Lin Biao’s eventual betrayal and death in 1971.
What were the impacts of the Cultural Revolution by 1974?
By 1974, leaders like Deng Xiaoping returned to their posts. Mao’s health declined, and the ‘Gang of Four’ wanted the Cultural Revolution to continue, while Zhou Enlai’s health deteriorated.
What events occurred in 1976 related to the Cultural Revolution?
Zhou Enlai died, leading to riots against the ‘Gang of Four.’ Mao was too ill to attend the funeral, and he died in September 1976.
