THEME 1 - Policy and War Flashcards
- add Civil war -korean war and position in 1949
How was China’s political standpoint in 1949?
- China had no centralised government structure prior to 1949. Infrastructure was poor due to the corruption of the nationalist Government.
- The CCP was responsible for areas of government. Worked closely with the PLA. CCP policy enforced by party cadres = this maintained loyalty to party with education and legal systems.
- Individual groups operated through youth and women’s associations e.g. Democratic Youth and All China Federation.
How was China’s economy in 1949?
- Economy was ruined by WW2 and Chinese Civil War. 50% of railways were ruined during CW. Bridges, roads and transport also were destroyed to prevent the enemies from gaining advantages in war.
- Nationalists, following their loss in the civil war, had fled to Taiwan with a lot of China’s riches
- Extreme hyperinflation. This was a direct result of printing more money to aid costs for civil war.
- Great Depression
- Agricultural problems from scorched earth tactics
- Lack of government infrastructure as rich elites to run country had fled to Taiwan.
- Manchuria in China was controlled by USSR in 1945. The USSR dismantled and stole resources from the area causing worse economic and industrial problems.
- Much of the peasantry was conscribed into the military for the Nationalists in CW, therefore there were significant shortages in labourers.
How was the social standpoint in China in 1949?
- China was incredibly large and diverse – it had a large range of religions, ethnicities and cultures.
- Poverty was also common – the majority of the population was peasants
- Large disparity between women and men in Chinese society due to strong Confucian tradition
What was the outcome of the Civil War?
The communists had come victorious and the Nationalists (GMD) had fled to Taiwan. The communists were praised for putting an end to the war. The CCP and Mao were better leaders than Nationalist.
Why did Mao become involved in the korean war?
After the north’s invasion of the south, the south had fought back with the support of the UN. However, the UN continued to push above the 38th parallel and their increasing speed towards the border with China had Mao scared of invasion. This pushed Mao to intervene with the war.
What evidence is there to suggest that the Korean War played a significant role in increasing terror?
Mao took advantage of the outbreak of war to take more extreme measures in removing potential risks at home. This instigated the Great Terror in 1950.
What impact did the korean war have on foreigners in China?
Foreigners were now pressured into open persecution during the war. Foreigners were forced to leave the country and stripped of their assets. The only group who had not left were the Russians due to the Sino-soviet pact.
How did Mao use the war to promote national unity?
Party orchestrated propaganda campaign against the USA calling it the “Resists America, Aid Korea” campaign. Mass meetings were organised in workplaces and schools to spread this.
How did the PRC benefit from the Korean War?
- Helped display power of the CCP and new PRC as they had just fought against 15 nations from the UN, including the US.
– Allowed CCP to introduce regimes to enforce higher taxes and conscription. As well as to lock up those potentially against the communist regime. - “Resist America, Aid Korea” campaign started to mobilise support and funds for army.
– China had gained military prestige as a new state had won over a world superpower.
How did the PRC not benefit from the Korean War?
- The war further broke the already crumbling economy. - 400,000 soldiers died.
- Forced requisitioning of grain led to famine in the country.
-The War had cost $10 Billion.
