Fall of Lin Biao Flashcards
After the Cultural Revolution, which groups held power?
Jiang Qing + Shanghai Radicals, Zhou Enlai + Bureaucracy. Lin Biao + PLA (radicals)
What was Lin Biao’s position within the party? What was the PLA’s position?
Lin Biao was positioned as the sole vice chairman of the CCP. Many PLA members occupied the party and Politburo.
Why did Mao begin to have doubts about Lin Biao in 1969? What had Marx taught
about powerful military commanders?
During the Ninth Party Congress in 1969, Mao doubted Lin’s ambitions because he gained a lot of power during the Cultural Revolution. Mao was aware that Marx had warned against powerful military commanders who may attempt to establish a military dictatorship.
Why did Lin and Mao fall out in March 1970? What post did Lin want to reinstate?
The Party’s Central Committee met to re-draft China’s constitution. Mao wanted to abolish the position of Head of State (previously held by Liu Shaoqi). Lin Biao tried to persuade Mao to keep it. Mao became even more suspicious about Lin’s ambitions as a result.
How did Mao reduce Lin Biao’s power base during 1970?
Forced Lin Biao’s allies to make self-criticisms and he reorganised the army, placing his own loyalists into key positions.
What plans did Lin Biao’s son make in February 1971? How did Mao
defend himself against these plans?
Lin’s son, Lin Liguo began preparing for a coup, plans were made to assassinate Mao. Lin Biao instructed Lin Liguo to activate his plans. Mao took great care to conceal his whereabouts (may have been aware of the plans).
Why did Lin and his son decide to fly to the USSR? Why did their plane crash?
Decided to change because Mao found out and plans failed so decided to change plans. Zhou Enlai tried to prevent the plane from leaving. Insufficient fuel to reach the USSR, a plane crashed in Outer Mongolia killing everyone on board. Zhou Enlai tried to prevent the plane from departing; his intervention prevented it from being fully refuelled.
What was the impact of Lin’s death on Mao? What was the impact on
ordinary Chinese?
Mao’s health was seriously affected by Lin’s betrayal. He became bed-ridden for the next two months and never recovered full health - heart and eye-sight failing.
Mao’s reputation suffered from the revelations that his chosen successor had been plotting his assassination.
Became a turning point for many Chinese, who now questioned both the system and Mao himself.
