Potential motives for HFC Flashcards
1
Q
Confidence
A
- By 1956 Mao had extensivley travelled China and reeived great reception where ever he went
- Reunification capmaigns, Korean war and Land reforms had been popular
- Mao believed he was in touch with the people and would not be heavily critised. (This would give him legitimacy)
2
Q
Economic growth
A
- Chinese industry had developed impressivley as of 5 year plans and acomplished its goals
- However econmy had stalled and Mao was anxious to continue industrialising
- Mao wanted to catch up to USA so would need ideas from outside the party
3
Q
Internal debates
A
- constant debates in CPC leadership about pace of change
- Mao hoped intellectuals would support his idea of fast pace change
- this would give him the oppertunity to remove officialns who stood in his way
4
Q
International concerns
A
- 1956 Nikita Khuhschev denounced Stalin for his use of terorr and cult of personality
- Mao feared this charge would be used against him (by his people or USSR)
- so decided to encourage critism and debate from outside the party
- would not want to risk loosing sole powerfull ally
5
Q
Inetllectual necessity
A
- Mao understood intellectuals and specialists were nessacary if China wanted to futher economic progress
- Most of the party were un-educated peasents and needed the help of those who could organise and develop industry and technology
6
Q
A trick
A
- Mao deliberatley wanted to lull the intellectuals in to a false sense of security by promising open critism
- when they did speak up, opposition would reveal itself and he could send them to Laogai
