Cold War China

Question 1

Describe the political upheavals in China between 1911 and 1949.

Answer 1

A series of political upheavals led to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, starting with the nationalist revolt that overthrew the Manchu dynasty in 1912, followed by challenges from the communist movement, the Long March, and the eventual civil war that resulted in the defeat of the Nationalists.

Question 2

How did Mao Zedong emerge as a leader during the communist movement in China?

Answer 2

Mao Zedong emerged as a leader during the communist movement after the Long March from 1934 to 1935, which was undertaken by the communists to escape harassment from the Nationalists.

Question 3

Define the Great Leap Forward and its objectives.

Answer 3

The Great Leap Forward was a second five-year plan implemented by Mao in 1958 aimed at ensuring control remained in the hands of workers and peasants, solving unemployment issues, and raising capital for industrial development.

Question 4

What was the outcome of the Great Leap Forward?

Answer 4

The Great Leap Forward is regarded as a failure because it attempted to achieve too much too quickly, leading to significant problems in China.

Question 5

How did Mao’s government structure resemble that of the USSR?

Answer 5

Mao’s government structure was similar to Lenin’s in the USSR, with a single-party state where the Communist Party was the only allowed political party, and criticism of the government was not tolerated.

Question 6

Describe the role of the National People’s Congress in Mao’s government.

Answer 6

The National People’s Congress served as the legislative authority in Mao’s government, with a Chairman and a State Council, but it functioned under a one-party system dominated by the Communist Party.

Question 7

What changes did Mao implement regarding women’s status in China?

Answer 7

Mao aimed to change old attitudes towards women, who were previously regarded as second-class citizens, by implementing policies that promoted gender equality.

Question 8

What led to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949?

Answer 8

The establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 was the result of the defeat of the Nationalists at Nanjing and their subsequent flight to Taiwan, following a civil war after World War II.

Question 9

How did various Chinese political groups collaborate during World War II?

Answer 9

During World War II, various Chinese political groups collaborated by sharing military resources to fight against Japanese invaders.

Question 10

What was the Cultural Revolution and its significance?

Answer 10

The Cultural Revolution was a socio-political movement initiated by Mao Zedong aimed at preserving communist ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society.

Question 11

Describe the main goal of the Cultural Revolution in China.

Answer 11

The main goal of the Cultural Revolution was Mao’s attempt to reassert his beliefs and authority within the Chinese Communist Party and to eliminate perceived opponents or enemies of communism.

Question 12

How did Mao view the progress made in China since 1949?

Answer 12

Mao believed that the progress made since 1949 had led to the emergence of a privileged class, which included engineers, scientists, and factory managers, who were gaining too much power at his expense.

Question 13

Define the role of the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution.

Answer 13

The Red Guards were groups of youths who banded together to encourage criticism of those deemed untrustworthy by Mao, targeting writers, economists, and anyone associated with his rival Liu Shao-chi.

Question 14

What actions did the Red Guards take against perceived enemies of the party?

Answer 14

The Red Guards criticized and attacked anyone considered to have a superior attitude or who did not fully support Mao, leading to widespread chaos and violence.

Question 15

How did Mao attempt to create a classless society during the Cultural Revolution?

Answer 15

Mao aimed to create a classless society by promoting the idea of peasants, workers, and educated people working together, where no one was considered better than anyone else.

Question 16

What were some consequences of the Cultural Revolution on education in China?

Answer 16

Schools and colleges were closed during the Cultural Revolution, disrupting education and contributing to social turmoil.

Question 17

Explain the impact of the Red Guards on foreign relations during the Cultural Revolution.

Answer 17

The activities of the Red Guards included attacking foreigners and foreign embassies, such as the burning of the British Embassy.

Question 18

How did Zhou Enlai contribute to the situation during the Cultural Revolution?

Answer 18

Zhou Enlai urged for a return to normality, which helped bring the chaotic situation under control.

Question 19

What was the initial catalyst for the Cultural Revolution?

Answer 19

The Cultural Revolution began in September 1965 with a speech by Lin Piao, who called for a return to the basic principles of the revolutionary movement.

Question 20

Describe Mao’s perception of educational establishments during the Cultural Revolution.

Answer 20

Mao considered educational establishments to be too academic and elitist, which he believed contributed to the emergence of a privileged class.

Question 21

Describe the role of Liu Shao-chi in the Chinese Communist Party during the Cultural Revolution.

Answer 21

Liu Shao-chi was a leading member of the Chinese Communist Party who encouraged party members to submit to criticism. However, he was expelled from the party in October 1968, which is seen as marking the end of the Cultural Revolution.

Question 22

How did Mao Zedong’s perspective on the Cultural Revolution change after Liu Shao-chi’s expulsion?

Answer 22

After Liu Shao-chi’s expulsion, Mao Zedong no longer saw the need for the Cultural Revolution to continue, as he had removed a potential rival within the party.

Question 23

Define the relationship between the Soviet Union and Communist China from 1949 to 1973.

Answer 23

The relationship was characterized by initial cooperation and support, but it became strained due to ideological differences and competition for leadership in the communist world.

Question 24

Explain the significance of the year 1949 for the Soviet Union and China.

Answer 24

In 1949, the Communist Party under Mao Zedong came to power in China, which was welcomed by the Soviet Union as it strengthened the communist bloc during the Cold War.

Question 25

How did Khrushchev’s policies affect Sino-Soviet relations?

Answer 25

Khrushchev’s de-Stalinisation policy and his approach towards peaceful coexistence with the West led to suspicion and tension from the Chinese Communist government, which felt the USSR was straying from true Marxist-Leninist doctrines.

Question 26

What was Mao Zedong’s view on the leadership of the communist movement?

Answer 26

Mao believed that the Soviet Union was no longer fit to lead the world communist movement and that China should take on that leadership role.

Question 27

Describe the main issue of contention between the USSR and China during the Cold War.

Answer 27

The main issue of contention was the question of which country, the USSR or China, would be the true leader of the communist world.

Question 28

How did Mao acknowledge the Soviet Union’s role in the proletariat struggle?

Answer 28

Mao acknowledged that the Soviet Union had played a significant role in the struggle of the proletariat but criticized its soft approach towards the West.

Question 29

What was the initial reaction of the Soviet Union to the rise of communism in China?

Answer 29

The rise of communism in China in 1949 was welcomed by the Soviet Union, as it saw China as a major ally in its Cold War efforts.

Question 30

What led to increased tension between China and the USSR in the 1950s?

Answer 30

Increased tension arose from Mao’s belief that the Soviet Union’s policies were too conciliatory towards the West and a departure from Marxist-Leninist principles.

Question 31

Describe the Sino-Soviet relationship during the 1960s.

Answer 31

The Sino-Soviet relationship refers to the complex and often contentious interactions between China and the USSR, characterized by ideological disagreements, territorial disputes, and a split in international communism.

Question 32

Define the significance of the World Communist Conference held in Moscow in 1960.

Answer 32

The World Communist Conference in 1960 was significant as it failed to reconcile the growing rift between the Soviet Union and China, leading to a breakdown in their relationship and impacting global communist dynamics.

Question 33

How did the border conflict between China and India in 1962 affect Sino-Soviet relations?

Answer 33

The border conflict between China and India in 1962 widened the gap between the Soviet Union and China, as the USSR unofficially supported India, further straining their already deteriorating relationship.

Question 34

What were the implications of the Sino-Soviet split for the Cold War?

Answer 34

The Sino-Soviet split meant that instead of a united communist bloc, there was competition for dominance between the USSR and China, weakening international communism and impacting the dynamics of the Cold War.

Question 35

Explain the impact of Mao and Khrushchev’s personal relationship on Sino-Soviet relations.

Answer 35

The deep dislike between Mao and Khrushchev contributed to the deterioration of Sino-Soviet relations, as personal animosities influenced political decisions and exacerbated ideological divides.

Question 36

How did the Cuban Missile Crisis affect the relationship between China and the Soviet Union?

Answer 36

China criticized the Soviet Union’s handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, which further deteriorated their relationship and highlighted their ideological differences.

Question 37

What was the outcome of the USSR’s refusal to deliver atomic bombs to China?

Answer 37

The USSR’s refusal to deliver atomic bombs to China prevented the establishment of a joint military power that could have strengthened the communist bloc during the Cold War.

Question 38

Describe the consequences of the public arguments between the Soviet Union and China.

Answer 38

The public arguments between the Soviet Union and China weakened Khrushchev’s position in the USSR and contributed to his fall from power in 1964, as they reflected broader failures in his foreign policy.

Question 39

What was the result of the border conflict in 1969 between the Soviet Union and China?

Answer 39

The border conflict in 1969 nearly escalated into an all-out war, leading both countries to seek diplomatic isolation from each other, further preventing the formation of a strong communist bloc.

Question 40

How did the Sino-Soviet split influence communist parties in other countries?

Answer 40

The Sino-Soviet split led to divisions within communist parties in other countries, as factions emerged that aligned either with the pro-Soviet Union or pro-Chinese stance.

Question 41

Describe the USA’s reaction to the communist takeover of China in 1949.

Answer 41

The USA reacted by realizing that China’s shift to communism would alter the global balance of power, as it provided the Soviet Union with a significant ally in the east, allowing them to focus military efforts westward.

Question 42

How did Mao’s feelings towards the USA evolve after the communist takeover?

Answer 42

Mao’s hostility towards the USA increased due to American support for Chiang Kai-shek and the USA’s repeated vetoes of China’s application for membership in the United Nations.

Question 43

Define the containment strategy employed by the USA from 1949 to 1969.

Answer 43

The containment strategy involved efforts to disrupt, destabilize, and weaken China’s communist government, as the USA viewed China as an aggressive, expansionist power.

Question 44

What alliances did the USA establish to counter China’s influence during the containment period?

Answer 44

The USA formed military alliances with Japan, South Korea, and the Nationalist government of Taiwan, as well as the Southeast Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO), which included countries like Australia and New Zealand.

Question 45

How did the USA’s military presence in Asia change during the containment period?

Answer 45

The USA maintained military bases and stationed large numbers of troops in countries such as Japan and South Korea to counter China’s influence.

Question 46

What actions did the USA take to discourage diplomatic relations with China?

Answer 46

The USA discouraged its allies from establishing diplomatic relations with China, banned Americans from visiting China, and cut off trade with the country.

Question 47

Explain the ‘wedge strategy’ used by the USA against China.

Answer 47

The ‘wedge strategy’ aimed to create a split between China and the Soviet Union by being tougher on China than on the Soviet Union, which was successful as a split became evident around 1960.

Question 48

Define ‘embargo’ in the context of US-China relations.

Answer 48

An embargo is a government order that restricts or prohibits commerce, especially trade in a specific commodity or with a particular nation.

Question 49

How did US recognition of Taiwan impact relations with mainland China until the 1970s?

Answer 49

Until the 1970s, the USA recognized Taiwan as the legitimate government of mainland China and did not maintain diplomatic relations with the communist regime of the People’s Republic of China.

Question 50

What opportunity did the Chinese-Soviet split provide for the USA in the 1970s?

Answer 50

The Chinese-Soviet split allowed the USA to establish ties with mainland China as a countermeasure against the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Question 51

Describe the period of rapprochement between China and the USA.

Answer 51

The period of rapprochement between China and the USA occurred from 1970 to 1979, marked by improved relations and a move closer to one another.

Question 52

Describe the significance of President Nixon’s visit to China in 1972.

Answer 52

President Nixon’s visit marked a breakthrough in US-Chinese relations, leading to the signing of the Shanghai Communiqué and the development of unofficial relations, including trade and cultural exchanges.

Question 53

Define rapprochement in the context of US-China relations.

Answer 53

Rapprochement refers to the establishment or improvement of relations between the USA and China, particularly highlighted by Nixon’s visit and subsequent agreements.

Question 54

How did China’s historical context influence its foreign relations after 1949?

Answer 54

China’s historical context, including its hatred of foreigners and its status as a poor peasant-based country, influenced its alliances with Third World nations and shaped its foreign policy.

Question 55

What role did territorial control play in China’s foreign relations?

Answer 55

Territorial control issues within China, particularly concerning ethnic minorities like Tibetans and Uighurs, have impacted its foreign relations and led to independence movements with international support.

Question 56

Explain the relationship between China and the USSR during the Cold War.

Answer 56

Initially, China viewed the USSR as a friend after its 1949 victory, but over time, they became enemies, leading to China’s isolation from most nations except fellow Communist states.

Question 57

How did China’s view of itself as a unified nation affect its interactions with neighboring countries?

Answer 57

China’s self-definition as one people, consisting of the Han majority and 55 national minorities, has led to claims over traditionally ruled territories, often resulting in perceived expansionism and border clashes.

Question 58

What ideas have influenced China’s foreign affairs since 1949?

Answer 58

Four main ideas include China’s hatred of foreigners, its alignment with poor Third World countries, its victory without foreign help, and its complex relationship with the USSR.

Question 59

Describe the impact of independence movements within China on its foreign relations.

Answer 59

Independence movements among ethnic minorities in China create internal challenges that affect its foreign relations, as these movements often receive international support.

Question 60

How did China’s actions after gaining power in 1949 affect its relations with neighboring states?

Answer 60

After gaining power, China’s attempts to consolidate control over traditionally ruled territories were seen as expansionist, leading to border clashes with neighbors like Taiwan, Vietnam, Tibet, and India.