Power Struggles-18 Flashcards
Who doubted Mao?
Lin Bao
On the surface it seemed that the two were very close. A party conference in 1969 named Lin as Mao’s _________. And described as his closest comrade in arms and successor to Mao Zedong.
Second in command
What proof is there that the two mistrusted each other?
Mao feared that Lin would not wait for his death before trying to take his post and Lin was convinced that Mao was unwilling to share any of his authority.
How did Mao weaken Lin’s position?
Got rid of several leaders who supported him.
What was Project 571?
Plan to assassinate Mao and take over as chairman himself.
Did Project 571 work?
No it was discovered and Lin and his fellow plotters fled.
Who was the right led by?
Moderates-Deng Xiaoping and Zhou Enlai
Who was the left led by?
Mao’s wife,Jiang Qing and 3 other radical politicians
Who were the left supported by?(3)
- Trade unions
- Communist Youth League
- Militias of big cities
What big advantage did the left have?
They had control of the press and the radio
What was the difference between the left and the right?
Left-wanted to carry on political struggles.
Right-wanted to build a strong economy
What was the plan for modernization presented by Zhou Enlai?
Modernization of China’s industry,farming,Defence and science.
What happened when Zhou Enlai died?
People went to Tiananmen Square and placed wreaths in his memory. When police removed them 10,000 people rioted. The left blamed riots on Deng and he was stripped.
Who took Deng’s place?
Hua Guofeng, the new prime minster
Why did they call him the helicopter?
Because he had risen so fast in the party.
What did the Gang of Four expect to happen when Mao died in 9 September 1976 and what actually happened?
They thought they were going to be in power but they beaten to it by the politburo and gave Mao’s post to Hua.
What did Hua now control?
Army, party and government
What happened when Hua took over?
The Gang of Four was arrested and Imprisoned within a months of Mao death and they were criticized.
What did they call Jiang Qing?
Cruel scheming, luxury living pornographer.
Which road did Hua and his supporters want to follow?
Mao Zedong’s
Why were they called whateverists?
Because they decided to obey whatever Mao said and his decisions must be put to action.
Which side did the public want?
The moderate one
