Lesson 5- What were Mao's motives in launching the Hundred Flowers Campaign? Flashcards
Who was Gao Gang (1902-54)?
CCP leader in Manchuria
Who was Rao Shushi (1903-1975)?
CCP leader in Shandong
Who was Peng Dehuai (1898-74)?
The PRC’s minister of defence and a PLA veteran
What is de-stalinisation?
Process taking place in Russia from 1956. Khrushchev delivered his so called secret speech which lead to the process. Argument that Stalin was so obsessed with personality cult that he lost control of people
What was the Anti-Rightist Movement?
a reaction against the Hundred Flowers Campaign which had promoted pluralism of expression and criticism of the government, even though initiation of both campaigns was controlled by Mao
What was the Gao Gang and Rao Shushi Affair?
Attack on two top party members in 1953 who were accused of building up their own empires, or factions, within the party. Rather than face humiliation, Gao committed suicide. Rao died in jail in 1975
Define Cult of Personality.
Arises when an individual uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods to create an idealized, heroic, and at times worshipful image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.
Define Marital Law.
The imposition of direct military control of normal civilian functions of government, especially in response to a temporary emergency such as invasion or major disaster, or in an occupied territory.
What is a Rightist?
Blanket term that was applied to anyone that Mao wanted to get rid of. The implication was that they had betrayed the principles of the revolution by being too far to the right
After what changes did Mao’s repression intensify?
Economic changes
What is a historical interpretation?
The process by which we describe, analyse, evaluate, and create an explanation of past events.
We base our interpretation on primary [firsthand] and secondary [scholarly] historical sources. We analyse the evidence, contexts, points of view, and frames of reference.
What would the PRC have to do in order to survive?
Modernise
Who were those who did not accept change no better than?
Counter-revolutionaries
What was there a betrayal of in order to tolerate internal dissension (disagreement that leads to conflict) and criticism?
The revolutionary cause
When was the Gao Gang and Rao Shushi affair?
1954
What did Mao claim about the efforts of the officials regarding industrialisation?
He said they were half-hearted
Who were two key people who gave half hearted efforts in industrialisation?
Gao Gang and Rao Shushi
What did Gao Gang and Rao Shushi work to establish?
‘Independent kingdoms’
What happened as a result of the charges against Gao Gang and Rao Shushi?
They were dismissed from their positions
As a result of the affair what did Gao Gang do?
killed himself
What was Gao and Rao’s case clear evidence of?
The increasing centralisation of power in the party and government.
Of Mao’s refusal to tolerate potential rivals
What happened as a result of party opposition in the 1930s and 40s?
Mao did not trust anyone
What was Mao suspicious of regarding the industrialisation programme?
He thought it might be used as an opportunity to challenge his leadership
What did the CCP Congress confirm in 1956?
That the government of the PRC was a collective not an individual affair
When was the Hundred Flowers Campaign?
1957
What did Mao inform his government and party that 1956 would be an appropriate time to do?
Allow greater freedom of expression to those who might wish to comment constructively on how well Communist China was achieving its aim of turning the nation into a proletarian state
Who and when did Mao give the speech ‘Contradictions’ to?
Leading party workers
Early in 1957
What did Mao say in the speech ‘Contradictions’?
He stated his satisfaction with the First Five Year Plan
What did Mao’s statement in the speech ‘Contradictions’ signify?
The beginning of the Hundred Flowers Campaign
What was Gao Gang killing himself described as an act of by Deng Xiaoping who had been highly active of holding this act against him?
The ultimate treason.
What was complained about in the ‘Contradictions’ speech?
The heavy handedness with which some CCP officials were applying.
What did the speech on ‘Contradictions’ hint that a shift needed to be made towards?
Allowing intellectuals a greater say in debate.
Why was it unusual that Mao had said that intellectuals should be allowed to have a greater say in debate?
He had an abiding (lifelong) distaste for intellectuals.
In 1956, who did Mao show tolerance against?
Hu Feng
Who was Hu Feng?
Writer who challenged the notion that Marxist-Leninist values were the only criteria for judging artistic merit.
How did Mao respond and show tolerance to Hu Feng?
Responded that China had made such progress under the First FYP that it could afford to be lenient towards Hu, who was simply confused and mistaken.