Communists Take Power in China

Objective: Students will investigate and describe the changes that China will endure under Mao Zedong and the communist party and be measured through their Cornell notes, QW, discussion, and exit slip.

Justify Think Pair Share What was happening in China before the start of WWII? Explain the situation.

Setting the Stage China fought on the side of the victorious Allies A bitter Civil War was raging between the Nationalist and Communist, but the country was temporarily united to fight the Japanese

Mao Zedong Communist Ruled Northwestern China Had Soviet Union as Foreign Support Public support from Chinese peasants Style of combat = Guerrilla warfare

Jiang Jieshi Nationalist Dominated Southwestern China United States as foreign support Weak public support due to failing economy Military Organization = Ineffective, corrupt leadership and poor morale

Civil War Resumes The renewed Civil War lasted from 1946-1949 Nationalist had the advantage as they outnumbered the communist 3-1 War began to shift in momentum as Nationalist soldiers deserted to the Communist party as China’s economy was collapsing

Momentum shifting Spring of 1949, China’s major city fell to Mao’s Red forces Mao’s men were motivated and enthusiastic about his promise to return land to the peasants. October 1949, Mao gained control of the country and declared it the People’s Republic of China Jiang Jieshi fled to the small island of Taiwan to form Republic of China

The Two Chinas Affect the Cold War China essentially became two nations Nationalist China = island of Taiwan Communist China = mainland United States continue to support Nationalist China Soviet Union signed a treaty of friendship in 1950 with Communist China

Justify Think Pair Share How did the situation with China affect the Cold war? Explain.