Mao’s Rectification Campaign 1942-44 Flashcards
Why did Mao initiate the ‘rectification of conduct’ campaign?
1942-1944:
Mao had a belief in the notion of revolutionary correctness, which meant that Maoism was a truth that all CCP members had to accept and live by. Also, unless the party maintained a constant struggle it would become bureaucratic and elitist and betray itself. The campaign was to make sure this didn’t happen, and that everyone followed his line.
What did Kang Sheng say about the party, and how many did he arrest?
He said 70% of the party was infected by revisionist ideas, and he arrested 1000 members, torturing and imprisoning many.
How many party officials committed suicide in Yan’an instead of undergo public humiliation?
60
Give two examples of people targeted in the rectification campaign.
Wang Shiwei, a communist writer, who criticised party officials for living comfortable lives while Red Army soldiers were dying. Because he also criticised Mao’s behaviour with pretty women, he was rounded up as an intellectual. He refused to retract his writings and in 1947 he was executed.
Ding Ling, a feminist writer, who was shocked at the CCP’s hypocrisy regarding women. She made her findings public but was accused of insulting the CCP. She retracted her criticisms and left Wang Shiwei without support.
What were the consequences of the rectification campaign?
Mao rid himself of opposition and consolidated his leadership.
Mao triumphed over the pro-Moscow wing in the party.
Mao had begun to cultivate his cult of personality.
Mao was elected Chairman of the Central Committee in 1943.
By 1945, Mao was regularly referred to as the Great Helmsman.
How did the CCP survive economically at Yan’an?
They created an agricultural economy, both growing their own food and selling foodstuffs for money. In addition, they relied on growing opium, up to 40% of the CCP’s income came from opium.
How was CCP control imposed over countryside in the Yan’an base area?
Landowners were driven out or shot, and the land would be distributed among the peasants. Middle peasants, those with some level of income, could choose whether to donate their land. Power was then imposed through the peasant soviet that was set up which organised everything, and was answerable to the central government and CCP.
How was the Red Army endeared to the peasants?
Mao set up a code of conduct where they treated the peasants kindly and respectfully, which was completely unlike any previous army in China.
