First Bit Flashcards
What happened in 1949 to China?
People’s republic of China was created on October the 1st
What happened in the civil war?
Nationalists (Chang hai-shek) vs communists (Mao Zedong)
Communists won despite the nationalist army numerically dominating (four to one)
They won because of ineptitude of nationalists with corrupt generals and because of their promises
What did the communists promise the peasants?
Land!
Why was China in political and administrative chaos in 1949 (3)
The GMD vowed to return after the battle of the feet whereby the nationalists tried to flee the advancing communists.
They went to Taiwan with gold, silver and cultural treasures as well as the educated elite and officers
They left communists, who were ideologically committed with guerilla fighting experience but lacked knowledge of civilian government
What were the economic problems in 1949? (2)
Hyperinflation was 1000% per year
Because GMD bankrolled it’s armies by printing money
What was the problem with transport in 1949 (3)
Badly damaged networks, telephone links and harbours were clogged because of the war
The largest port in China (Hankou) had been the target of American b29 strikes against occupying japenese
One million bandits began to roam the countyside preying on refugees and clogging transport
What was the problem with agriculture in 1949 (3)
Fields of production had been destroyed and there was a lack of incentive to produce because of hyperinflation
Only 15% of China’s land was cultivatable
Production was 30% lower in 1947 than it had been in 1945
What was the problem with industry in 1949
By the time the Japanese were defeated, China’s industrial output was 25% of pre war level
War with Japan facts?
Invasion 1937
Retreated 1945
What was the problem in 1949 of distribution of wealth
80% of the population were peasants which had a majority of illiteracy
People were used to war and warlords
What was the problems in cities in 1949
Young soldiers in cities did not know what to do and became laughing stocks
What was the problem with national infrastructure in 1949
China could barely be called a unified nation with
Nationalists threats
USA threats
Over 50 ethnic and religious groups
What was “new democracy” ?
1949-1952
Transitional stage between semi feudalism and socialism
Mao said the proletariat would form an alliance with peasants and petty bourgeoise
What was the common program for China?
1949
Communist part convened a People’s Political Consultative Conference
Other political parties were accepted so the system would seem democratic. It was emphasised that the CCP were in charge
Basic freedoms were guaranteed to everyone accept political revolutionaries
Women gained equal rights
Mao was head of state
Centred on the development of heavy industry
How did Mao set out his communist party in 1949?
Mao Standing committee Politburo 25 man Central committee 49 man National people's congress
One party state!
He increased the members from 4.5 million in 1949 to
5.8 million in 1950
