Cold War: China Introduction

Question 1

Events leading up to the Communist victory of 1949 (6)

Answer 1

• CCP made in 1921
• Led a civil war against the Nationalists led by Chiang Kai Shek
• CCP was initially weak but gathered support amongst peasants by promising land reform and education
• 1949: PRC is created October 1st
• Nationalists flee to Taiwan (Nationalist China)
• UN recognised Taiwan as China and didn’t admit PRC as a member

Question 2

Establishment of a communist state (3)

Answer 2

• China became a one-party state with Mao as the first “Chairman”
• Opposition to communism labelled counter-revolutionary and imperialist
• Mao wanted to improve industry, agriculture, education and healthcare.

Question 3

First Five Year Plan (1953-1957) (3)

Answer 3

• Soviet scientists, technicians and engineers went to China to assist with the constriction of factories, dams and infrastructure.
• Students studied in USSR
• Experienced vast economic growth, peasants moved to cities.

Question 4

Hundred Flowers Campaign (1956-1957) (4)

Answer 4

• Mao encouraged diversity of thought within China and wanted to open debate around how to best run China.
• Ended in 1957 because he became upset when he saw the opposition to the CCP. Purged opposition in the end.
• Targeted teachers, doctors and journalists. Anyone who would support freedom of speech.
• All targets considered counter-revolutionaries and were punished, tortured and executed.