Power Struggle 1970s Flashcards
Mao’s Death
Had an eye on who would succeed him, but concerned over future of Revolution.
Didn’t trust Jiang Qing, Lin Biao died in bizarre circumstances.
Lin Biao Affair
Loyalty saw him successor after Liu Shaoqi purged (1968).
1971, realised he lost Mao’s trust, thought he was plotting to seize power with PLA.
Tried to flee, plane crashed in Mongolia.
Portrayed as secret enemy spy.
Many no longer trusted Mao or gov.
Deng Xiaoping
Recalled from rural exile.
Popular + experienced.
Organisational skills + support within Party used to re-establish order after Cultural Revolution.
By 1974, regained post as CCP Secretary.
Zhou Enlai
Pragmatist who avoided association with Liu Shaoqi & Deng Xiaoping.
Intro Four Modernisations - advancements in agriculture, industry, defence, science & technology.
Designed to make China a modern world power, by improving trade links with West.
Less aggressive relations with West, helping to negotiate visit from President Nixon (America) to Beijing, 1972.
Gang of Four
2 named successors, Lin Biao and Liu Shaoqi dead.
Gang of Four were radicals in CCRG (Central Cultural Revolution Group), wanted to continue Cultural Revolution. Unpopular
Anti-Confucian campaign, denouncing Lin Biao as a “rightist”, targeting those associated with him, Zhou Enlai + Deng Xiaoping.
People saw through Jiang’s ploy to oust rivals.
People fed up with constant upheaval, made clear by public reaction following Enlai’s death in 01/1976.
Zhou Enlai’s death
Millions lined streets to pay respects when his body was cremated.
04/1976, Qingming festival, people paid homage to their ancestors, people in Beijing laid wreaths at the base of the Monument of the People’s Heroes, honouring Enlai; when gov sent trucks to remove wreaths, violence broke out, riot police sent in.
