Mao’s China Flashcards
What are the 9 most important elements from the “Mao Zedong in Power” reading ?
- Red Guard Movement in the Cultural Revolution: The Red Guard movement was a prominent aspect of the Cultural Revolution in China. It began with high school and university students becoming activists, followed by “revolutionary rebels” in government institutions and factories. The movement involved millions of students and led to significant social and political upheaval.
- Factionalism within the Red Guard Movement: There were two main explanations for factionalism within the Red Guard movement. The first was a sociological approach, which argued that pre-existing interests based on status and political networks determined factional affiliation. The second was a political interpretation, which focused on conflicts that emerged during the course of the movement itself, influenced by charismatic student leaders and interpretations of Mao’s objectives.
- Role of the PLA and Power Seizures: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) played a crucial role in the Cultural Revolution, becoming the leading force in the newly established Revolutionary Committees. These committees became the organs of local power, consisting of PLA representatives, revolutionary cadres, and mass representatives. The PLA’s role evolved from maintaining law and order to being central in the political structures that emerged after Mao called a halt to the Cultural Revolution.
- Mao’s selection of Lin as his successor: Mao’s motives for selecting Lin as his successor in 1966 are unclear, but likely involved considerations such as guaranteeing PLA support, favoritism towards Lin, and appreciation for his role in promoting the Mao cult. Additionally, Lin was not perceived as having revisionist tendencies in domestic policy, unlike other members of the Politburo Standing Committee.
- The Lin Biao Affair: The Lin Biao affair, also known as the September 13 [1971] incident, was a critical turning point in Chinese politics. Lin, initially Mao’s chosen successor, faced conflicts with civilian radicals and was eventually denounced as a traitor. This event intensified doubts about the Cultural Revolution, both within the populace and the party elite.
- The Shifts in Chinese Politics: The text describes various phases of Chinese politics from 1972 to 1976, marked by shifts in policies and power dynamics. Mao attempted to correct and defend the Cultural Revolution, leading to the rehabilitation of leaders dismissed during that period. Mao’s deteriorating health and isolation played a significant role in shaping political decisions. Additionally, the emergence of new, younger leaders sympathetic to Zhou and Deng contributed to the complexity of the political landscape.
- Mao’s Uncontested Power: Mao Zedong’s power within the Communist Party of China (CCP) was uncontested, especially after the CCP came to power in 1949. He held emperor-like authority, and his decisions were rarely challenged. This concentration of power allowed him to implement policies, even when they were impractical or disastrous, such as the Great Leap Forward.
- The Great Leap Forward and Its Consequences: The Great Leap Forward, launched in the late 1950s, was a policy aimed at rapidly transforming China’s economy and society. However, it resulted in a devastating famine and significant social disruption, leading to millions of deaths. This policy failure marked a turning point in Mao’s leadership, as it showcased the erosion of pragmatism and the emergence of overambitious, unworkable objectives.
- The Cultural Revolution and Its Impact: The Cultural Revolution, initiated by Mao in the 1960s, was a radical social and political movement characterized by widespread chaos, purges, and the dismantling of party institutions. It reflected Mao’s pursuit of revolutionary purity and his disregard for the established party hierarchy. The Cultural Revolution had far-reaching consequences for Chinese society, leading to widespread suffering and the destabilization of the CCP leadership.
After the formation of the PRC in 1949 begins a period of consolidation of power. What is the first step to this process ?
Establish control.
At the time, the power in China is military, decentralized fashion. Northern China already has a well established communist authority.
The Party must, in the rest of the country, recruit new party members.
Between 1948-1950, 2.5 million new members. There is, however, a concern of commitment to the communist ideology concerning new members.
After the formation of the PRC in 1949 begins a period of consolidation of power. What is the second step to this process which follows establishing control?
Land reform.
The party takes from landlords and encourages peasants to participate.
- The peasants themselves are divided into classes.
- The land is confiscated from landlords.
- The party stages public demonstrations (1.5-2M people executed)
The main effect is a political one - old rural elite is eliminated as a political threat.
In 1956, agriculture is collectivized. A food supply is allocated by state, everyone works and lives together on state farms.
After the formation of the PRC in 1949 begins a period of consolidation of power. What is the third step to this process which follows land reforms?
Eliminate ennemies - through the united front approach, chose to worry about contradictors later.
To establish their party, they needed everyone’s skill regardless of ideology.
Who are friends and who are ennemies is up to the party, they can change their definition at any point, which they did after they did not need as much outside expertise anymore.
Since there are no accountability mechanisms, the capitalists and KMT members are in danger as of 1956.
What is the 100 Flowers Movement ?
It is a movement which made economic criticism both from within and outside the party. They believed the party was using the wrong methods (subjectivism), and bureaucracy had become an issue due to stagnation and its status as an entrenched class that might oppose change.
Citizens wish for accountability.
Mao welcomes criticism and public debates as they are still loyal to the party, the party’s role is not being questioned. This idea is called loyal criticism. It calls for changes from within the same framework, helping the party do better.
How did the Hundred Flowers movement backfire for the CCP ?
The criticism and protests were more widespread and intense than expected.
Due to the fall of personality cults in the Soviet union and the Eastern Block some even criticize Mao.
All the protesters are said to be rightists, and Mao cracks down to end it. he sends them to labour camps, kills them or prescribes self-criticism.
He later says this was a strategy to lure out those who were not truly loyal to him, but this seems like a strategy to save face as he miscalculated the magnitude of the initial movement. (revisionist history)
What is the Great Leap Forward ?
1958-1960
It is a time of rapid industrialization. China now has a 5 year economic plan which is based on soviet experience.
They must 1) channel all resources to make metal 2) extract as much as possible from the country side.
This measure is not unanimous, lots of leaders disagree.
What are the five strategy points used by Mao to promote the Great Leap forward?
- Mobilize labour power: people work, in addition to their regular job.
- Set ambitious goals: record harvest goal for example. This also encourages over-reporting, and is not taking into consideration which plant grows well where etc.
- Make steel: melt down objects people have, etc. unfortunately making it bad quality.
- Disregard technical norms: more, and faster.
- Increase control: check points, communal dinning, strict rations and resource allocation ect.
Discuss the famine that took place following the Great Leap Forward.
Hunger spread throughout the country. Became widespread in 1958 and acknowledged in 1959, though the party blames local officials.
GLF becomes a test of personal loyalty to Mao as people, such as Peng Dehuai, disagree with Mao. Peng sent the leader a letter and is on house arrest, Mao doubles down.
30-40 million people died of starvation and related diseases.
This damaged people’s view of the party, there were some subtle, uncoordinated and deniable protestations.
What is the Culture Revolution ?
Mao, having trouble with every day protestations, wants to establish a form of permanent revolution so China does not turn away from him.
The youth has never experienced revolution. leading them to steer away from genuine socialism and bring forth some revisionism (in the eyes of the party), which deviates from party line.
He encourages:
- attack on the party itself, Mao mobilizes the masses, encourages them to attack authority. “Destroy the old, establish the new”
- attack of traditional culture, habits, ideas and authority.
- attack the ones supporting a capitalist road.
He also sends youth (like Xi Jinping) to live with families of peasants so they can experience the lifestyle.
How did the Culture Revolution end?
When Mao had enough, he regained control with the red army and guards fighting each other over various interpretations.
What is the legacy of the Cultural Revolution ?
1 - the death of 100 000 people
2 - a marked intensification of ideology.
