1. China’s Political History

2. Dynastic Rule (Zhōngguó/中国)
Early Isolation contributes to a strong sense of cultural superiority
Ethnocentrism
“Middle Kingdom” – political and cultural center of the world
Longstanding tensions with other Asian peoples under Chinese control (eg. Tibet)
Xianyang

3. Western Imperialism 19th Century exploitation by western nations
England, France, Germany, Japan, eventually the US
Strong Cultural Identity evolved into nationalism
Boxer Rebellion
Revolution of 1911
Long Term Effects?
Yuan Shih-k'ai

4. Birth of the CCP
Founded by Mao Zedong in 1921 based on the Soviet model
At odds with Chiang Kai-shek (Nationalist Party)
Chiang becomes President in 1928 and Mao and his CCP are considered outlaws
Chiang Pursues Mao and his army across China from
“The Long March”
vs.

5. A Tale of Two China’s Beginning of Communist Chinas
After WWII Mao’s Forces defeat Chiang’s
Chiang flees to Taiwan and claims it as the true China
Communist Government established officially in 1949 – Mao is in charge
Early years heavy Soviet influence ( )

6. Maoism – Form of Communism tailored to the Chinese people
Collectivism – community over the individual; differs from traditional Chinese beliefs
Struggle and activism – encouragement for people to actively pursue the values of socialism; struggle and devotion
Mass line – line of communication among party leaders, members, and peasants
Egalitarianism – breakdown of the hierarchal system that existed in China for centuries; Mao’s belief in the strength of the peasant
Self-reliance – people were encouraged to rely on their own talents to contribute to the community

7. Mao changes direction (1958-1966)
Hundred Flowers Movement (1956) – goal was to create broader participation in policy-making
Wanted people to offer frank opinions
Resulted in massive public criticism and large scale strikes **revealed resentment**
Anti-Rightist Campaign (1957)
Crackdown on Hundred Flowers critics
Stifled political debate
"Letting a hundred flowers blossom and a hundred schools of thought contend is the policy for promoting progress in the arts and the sciences and a flourishing socialist culture in our land."

8. The Great Leap Forward 1958-1960
Mao’s attempt to accelerate economic development in industry and agriculture
Relied on:
Labor power
Enthusiasm of masses
Decentralization
Huge Failure
20-30 million dead
Destroyed economic development

9. Deng Xiaoping and the Cultural Revolution
– Mao allows Deng to Liu Shaoqi to implement market oriented economic policies that revived the economy
Mao not pleased with push toward egalitarianism
Institutes the Cultural Revolution
Purify party and country through radical transformation
Important principles became the 5 pillars of Maoism

10. Deng Xiaoping and the birth of the Market economy
After Mao’s death his follows split
Radicles – “Gang of Four” led by Mao’s wife
The Military – led by Lin Biao
The Moderates – led by Zhou Enlai
Moderates win: Zhou dies soon after and Deng Xiaoping assumes leadership