Ideologies Behind Economic Growth 1860-1997

Question 1

What were the main obstacles to Chinese economic growth up to 1860?

Answer 1

Philosophy (Confucius thought), Qing dynasty (worried progress was Western to overthrow them ), lack of foreign trade (Canton system)

Question 2

Factors that encouraged economic growth from 1860?

Answer 2

Self-strengthening movement, individuals (Li Hongzang), Communication with foreigners, entrepreneurial middle class, Yangtze River

Question 3

Aims of the Self-strengthening movement 1860-95?

Answer 3

Economic reform, improve army by adopting Western technology, retain Confucius ideas but use Western technology to fix issues

Question 4

Examples of the self-strengthening movement creating economic development

Answer 4

Western ships purchased with steel hulls, Qing hired British and German engineers, British asked China to create opportunities for skilled workers, Li Hingzang set up own factories/shipyards/schools, developments in cotton/coal industry, Tonwenguan

Question 5

Aims of the May 4th Movement 1915-24

Answer 5

Increase self-reliance, create new principles for Chinese to get rid of Confucius beliefs, increased Chinese sovereignty to get rid of Western extraterritoriality

Question 6

Examples of economic development in the May 4th Movement 1915-24

Answer 6

1916 New Youth Magazine, 1918 4th May protests, 1920 boycotts in Shanghai Commercial Association

Question 7

Why can the May 4th movement be seen as having little impact on economic development in China?

Answer 7

Largely unsuccessful + had little impact - shown by the split of GMD and CCP in 1922

Question 8

Aims of Soviet Marxism 1920-58 on economic growth

Answer 8

Rapid state led industrialisation (5 year plan), use of state propaganda to focus on heavy industry, China to follow Soviet model and lean away from Western countries, USSR become China’s chief ally, USSR provide valuable economic lessons for China

Question 9

Examples of Soviet Marxism 1920-58 aiding economic development in China 1920-58?

Answer 9

Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Alliance 1950 (Russian advisors went to China), advisors help with Stalinist central planning expertise, caused 26% heavy industry

Question 10

What did Russia demand from China in return for aid/advice?

Answer 10

Port Arthur and raw materials

Question 11

Aims of Maoist Marxism to increase economy growth 1934-62?

Answer 11

‘Walking on 2 legs’ (moving away from USSR aid), End the power of Chinese Landlords (land redistribution)

Question 12

Negative impacts on economic development caused by Maioist Marxism 1934-62?

Answer 12

Caused peasants to lose all land and equipment, lead to Great famine (2nd 5 year plan)

Question 13

Aims of growth of capitalism ideology on China 1978-1997?

Answer 13

1980- introduction of free market capitalism, citizens able to borrow (increased entrepreneurship), Mao’s communes broken up in rural areas, increased manufacturing, increased availability of Western goods, SEZs (allow Western free control to improve GDP), 1992 financial liberalisation, increased IMF investment

Question 14

Example of economic development caused by capitalism ideology 1978-1997

Answer 14

98% of Mao’s work teams disbanded in 1983, TVEs allowed rural areas access to goods, strength of SEZ’s, China’s economy grew by 9.6% on average every year from 1981-1993

Question 15

Example of strength of SEZs on economic growth

Answer 15

1981-1984, Shenzhen’s (SEZ) economy grew by 75% each year

Question 16

Factors defining whether a country is a great economic power?

Answer 16

Size of economy compared to globe, military size, export-led growth, amount of exports