The Deng Revolution Lynch Ch. 7 Mr. Parker IBh2

Deng changed Mao’s policies and set China on a new path. What were Deng’s aim in post-Mao China? The abandonment of Maoism Economic Reform Pro-democracy 1979-89

Abandonment of Maoism Failure and arrest of Gang of Four Upon Mao’s death there was an assumption that Jiang and the rest of the Gang would assume leadership. Instead they were arrested and put in jail.

Deng’s Rise to Power Deng outmanouevres opponents to become leader. With arrest of Gang of Four, There was a political vacuum. Deng moved to fill it. Experience Skill Support of Party officials at all levels. Relationship with the military. Ended Famine Economic Planner

The Third Plenum A Plenum was a full gathering of the Party Restore and rehabilitate the Party Confirm Deng as leader Four Modernisations Agriculture Industry Military Education

Central Committee Resolution of 1981 “Drip effect” Acknowledge Mao’s mistakes, but not a “de-Stalinization” “Mao had been a great leader, but he had made mistakes, which China was entitled to correct.” “…if we judge his activities as a whole, his contribution to the Chinese revolution far outweighs his mistakes.”

Trial of the Gang of Four After their arrest, the trial was an opportunity to highlight the mistakes of the Cultural Revolution. The trial was a public repudiation, but did not go as smoothly as the party had hoped. Jiang Qing was defiant – “I was Mao’s bitch, whomever he told me to bite, I bit.” They were found guilty, this officially ending the Cultural Revolution and Mao.

ECONOMIC REFORM “It doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white as long as it catches the mice!” “One country, two systems.” “Seek truth from facts.” Deng

An economic pragmatist If the market produced better results, then let the market operate.

Deng’s Coals Invigorate the domestic economy. Open up to international trade. Encourage individual enterprise. Expand joint ventures between Chinese and foreign investors.

Agriculture Reform 1976-1984 End collectivisation Xiang System Encourage private production. Meet your quotes and pay your taxes, the rest is yours. Concerns While there was an end to collectivisation, land was still state owned. Fifteen year leases, peasants didn’t trust the government. Initial bump in production, followed by slump.

Industrial Reform First step reform and expand the education system. Create Special Economic Zones to promote growth and investment Autonomous from central planning Commercial outlets Tax benefits Spearheaded by young and enthusiastic leaders – not fettered by dogma All of this led to rapid development…

Economic Challenges No more “iron rice bowl” Inflation up, real wages down Urbanisation Competition in the job market Industrial boom, followed by a downturn

Pro-Democracy To balance the 4 Modernizations, Deng proposed the 4 Cardinal Principles Socialist Road People’s Democratic dictatorship Leadership by CCP Commitment to Marxist-Leninism and Mao ZeDong thought Necessary to resist Bourgeois Liberalization Promote internal stability Restore Morale and Standing of CCP

Desire for Political Reform Calls for political reform to mirror economic reform – a fifth modernisation Suspicion of the CCP – corruption and nepotism

Tiananmen Protests Beijing was a center of pro-democracy – Democracy Wall University professors and intellectuals Urban professionals – lost career prospects

Deng’s Legacy The strange mixture of economic freedom and political rigidity was the outstanding legacy of Deng Xiaopeng