Mao Zedong & Deng Xiaoping (Chinese Communist Revolution) Flashcards
Who was Mao Zedong?
Mao Zedong was the leader that emerged from the Chinese Communist Party after the Chinese Civil War.
- Came from a well-respected peasant family, and was an advocate for the peasants of China
- Became the leader of China after the Nationalist Republican Party lost to the CCP in the Chinese Civil War.
What were Mao Zedong’s beliefs?
Mao Zedong was a Communist, who wanted to use the cultural revolution occurring in China to lead the country towards communism.
- Believed that the proletariat (the peasants of China) would overthrow the bourgeoise in order to end their suffering. These beliefs came directly from his belief in Marxism and Leninism.
- Just vs. unjust wars: Mao distinguishes the two types of wars from each other based on their progress. He labels “just” wars as progressive, while he labels “unjust” wars as wars that stall progress. (Little Red Book)
- Mao felt that the individual was “subordinate to” or under the control of the larger group. He felt that the individual answered to the organization, which in turn answered to the Central Committee. (Little Red Book)
- According to Mao, the Chinese revolution has allowed women to change their role under men in society, giving them access to jobs and education. He believes that the patriarchal society that women once lived under is breaking in China, allowing women to be more independent from their husbands. (Little Red Book)
What was Mao Zedong’s People’s Republic? What was Mao’s attitude towards the Soviet Union?
Mao Zedong’s People’s Republic was Mao’s vision of a democratic dictatorship ruling over China through him.
- He explains that a democratic dictatorship can emerge with the leadership of the proletariat, with the rights of free speech, free elections, redress, and more being given solely to the people.
- Mao Zedong’s attitude towards the Soviet Union is positive and grateful. In his speech addressing China after he came into power, he thanks leaders like Marx and Lenin and the people of the Soviet Union for bringing communism into the world, shown through the October Revolution and the creation of the Soviet Union. He is grateful for the theory of Marxism-Leninism that has been presented from the Soviet Union, as this allowed China to “see the Russians in a new light” and change the ideals of their nation.
What was the Great Leap Forward?
The Great Leap Forward was Mao Zedong’s attempt in ending hunger throughout China by moving from a farming, agricultural society to an industrial society. This plan, however, failed.
- Chinese farmers and citizens were forced off of their land
- Quotas that were created for communal farming communities failed
This resulted in the death of millions.
Who was Deng Xiaoping?
Leader who replaces Mao Zedong after his death in 1976, who begins ruling in 1981.
How did Deng Xiaoping reform the farming system in China?
- Farmers now lived on leased-out land, which puts an end to communal farming.
- Farmers pay rent for the land, but own their crops. They can keep and sell any crops they like.
- Since farmers must pay rent for their land, they have to sell a portion of their crops to make money. This system both helped keep farmers from going hungry, as well as the country altogether.
This creates a surplus of food in China.
How did Deng Xiaoping reform Chinese industry?
- Factories now controlled what they produced and the quantity of their products.
- Economic zones of mass production are created, to which many foreign manufacturers go in and open factories.
What were the main issues with foreign manufacturers in economic zones?
- Workers were not paid enough for their work. In addition, child labor was prevalent in these factories.
- Pollution became a large issue in China due to the smoke produced from the factories. This left smog in the air, making it near impossible to see the sky.
- Workers lived below the standard of living.
What was the Tiananmen Square Massacre?
The Tiananmen Square Massacre was a peaceful protest turned violent assault, after protestors were killed by military forces in China.
- Students were fighting for freedom of expression and the right to vote during the protest.
- No one knows how many people were killed, although the estimates are in the hundreds. The Chinese government refuses to comment on the event.
What is Hong Kong? How has the Chinese government affected Hong Kong?
Hong Kong was a British territory until 1997, after it was placed back under Chinese rule.
- Hong Kong was granted specific economic status and specific political rights after the Chinese government regained control over it.
However, in 2020, these rights started being taken away.
