Essay 1: Authoritarian and Single Party States Mao and his rise to power.

Essay 1. “The rise of Mao was the result of the failure of the existing regime to address the economic problems of the population” To what extent to you agree with this statement?

Essay 1. - Markscheme For Mao, candidates are required to examine the nature and extent of the economic problems that confronted the existing regime and the extent to which they aided the growth in support for the single- party leader.

Essay 1. - Markscheme Specific details of economic problems is required: China: Regime under Qing Dynasty: High Inflation Heavy Government Taxes Corrupt government officials Economy backward compared to neighbour Japan Industry, trade and commerce under foreign control and domination

Essay 1. - Markscheme After the Revolution of 1911 China: Regime under the Nationalists – Guomintang Period of warlordism – ruthless, authoritarian in their own provinces – Nationalists and Communists fought for control over China. Continuing economic AND security problems – not solved under the nationalist regimes Inequitable distribution of income and or resources (peasant class not having access) Shortages of food

Essay 1. - Markscheme The inability of existing regimes to cope with these problems (and why) could be noted. What were the nationalists challenges in China? Why couldn’t they provide for their people? Civil war World Wars Japanese invasions Military role Corruption The role of Jiang Jieshi

Essay 1. - Markscheme Generally the consequence of economic distress or crisis was the rise of political extremism such as the emergence of Communism. The willingness of sections of the population to pay heed to leaders who made attractive promises to rescue the population from distress.

Essay 1. - Markscheme Since the question is “to what extent…?, candidates are invited to offer other reasons for the rise to power of Mao, for example: Political situations in China – Nationalist vs Communist ideologies. Did the Nationalists – Guomintang produce effective programmes of reforms? Disillusionment with existing ideologies or forms of government

Essay 1. - Markscheme The appeal of a charismatic personality – Mythology of events like the Long March, establishment of Communist Soviets in Yan’an provinces The catalyst of war – invasion of Japan – the Chinese Civil War Grievance over unsatisfactory peace settlements – Paris Peace Conferences

Essay 1. - Markscheme The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required. Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the ‘best fit’ to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.