Mao’s Revolution of China Notes

Civil War Nationalists v. Communists 1927-1950 https://gpb.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/rise-communism-story-of-china/rise-communism-story-of-china/#support-materials The Nationalist party and the Communist party fought each other for control of China.

Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) Chiang Kai-Shek – succeeded Sun Yat-Sen after his death as the leader of the Nationalist party. Originally led by Sun Yat-Sen

Chinese Communist Party Mao Zedong – leader of the communist revolutionary movement Revolution – wanting a dramatic change.

The communists were cornered by the Nationalists so they had to retreat. The retreat turned into a 6,000 mile march across China led by Mao Zedong that lasted over a year and made Mao a national hero to most Chinese peasants. The Long March 1934-1936

Through the mountains

Taiwan After their defeat by the Communists, the Nationalists fled to Taiwan, an island 100 miles off the coast of mainland China.

The Peoples Republic of China (1949) – the communists took control https://gpb.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/communists-control-story-of-china/communists-control-story-of-china/?#.WtYQrojwZ1s

The Great Leap Forward – 1958-1960 Chairman Mao established reforms intended to Make China more industrial: Took control of businesses and factories Make China more modern Took control of land and established communes communes – citizens lived and worked together and the CCP controlled their work schedule and even their social lives.

The Great Leap Forward Key Parts Collectivization – combining small private farms into large state-owned communes. Large Irrigation projects (canals, wells, reservoirs, etc.) Heavy Industry – Spending went up 18% in 2 years “Boot-strap” steel production – each commune had to build blast furnaces and make steel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6XQKYnrlSA&t=2s

The Great Leap Forward Results Caused The Great Famine 20 -40 million people died Harvest not collected because too many workers had been moved to industry rather than agriculture. Killing sparrows (who ate grain) lead to a massive locust swarm. rare photo of people eating leaves in China during the Great Leap Forward http://factsanddetails.com/china/cat2/sub6/item2854.html Great Leap Forward was supposed to last until 1963. It was ended in 1960.

Cultural Revolution 1966 - 1976 Four Olds: Started by Mao Goals: To drive moderates from the Communist Party Eliminate the Four Olds Create a spirit of permanent revolution Four Olds: Old Culture Old Customs Old Habits Old Beliefs/Ideas

Cultural Revolution 1966 - 1976 Designed to stop all opposition to the CCP “reeducation”– intellectuals, teachers, scientists, and politicians were sent to the countryside to do hard labor. Religious worship was forbidden. Closed factories Denied healthcare and transportation Most educated people in China were killed. Many schools were forced to close from 1966-1972 literacy rate dipping as low as 40% in some parts of China.

The Red Guard Radical students who supported Mao by destroying ancient buildings and attacking professionals, intellectuals, and artists. Little Red Book – a collection of Mao’s saying and political thought carried by the Red Guard. Rightist – those who opposed Mao and Communism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCLJKncqehc

The opening of the “Bamboo Curtain” President Nixon visited with Chairman Mao in 1972 and established a positive relationship with China. The U.S. has become a big trading partner with China.

Social Reforms under Communism Population control Only one child per family Policy began officially after Mao’s death Couples should wait until their late 20’s to marry Rights for women Employment Divorce, choose her own husband Ended foot binding Women hold up half the sky. - Mao Zedong

Effects of One Child Policy (1979 – 2015)

Economic Reforms In 1976 Mao dies (Cultural Revolution Ends). Deng Xiaoping rose to power. Worked to modernize and improve China’s economy. Encouraged companies to invest in China. Began a limited form of free enterprise, you can now own your own business Farm for a profit Choose your own job Improved standard of living

Economic freedom has not led to political freedom Tiananmen Square (1989): In April, 1989, over 10,000 students protested government corruption, demanding democracy and letting the people have more say in the government.

Tiananmen Square (1989): The Chinese government denounced the protestors as anti-government and antiparty. Students protested for weeks.

On June 4, 1989, the Chinese army converged on the protestors with orders to clear Tiananmen Square. Soldiers used live ammunition, as well as tanks and armored personnel carriers to force their way into the square and get rid of the protestors. At 4am on June 4, the lights in Tiananmen Square were suddenly turned off and a government loudspeaker announced: "Clearance of the square begins now."

Bodies of dead civilians lie among mangled bicycles near Tiananmen Square in the early morning of June 4 http://multimedia.scmp.com/tiananmen/

“Tank Man” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70BtLkYOR2I

While the Communist Party denies that the massacre happened and forbids mention of it in China, outside estimates place the death toll from between 300-1,000 people Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square Flag Pole with Tiananmen Gate in the Background

Tiananmen Square People’s Hero statue with Great Hall of the people in the background

Tiananmen Square Chang ‘An Avenue with Mao’s Mausoleum in the background

Goodbye 再见 zài jiàn