China 2.1 Flashcards
(133 cards)
1
Q
How had China seized power?
A
Through military success, not by democratic elections
2
Q
How many bandits were roaming the countryside and what was their effect ?
A
1 million - Clogged the transport system, wandered aimlessly, squandered in unsanitary cities. Bandits made communication and travel between cities dangerous.
3
Q
What was China’s nickname?
A
The ‘sick man of Asia’.
4
Q
What was China’s nickname?
A
The ‘sick man of Asia’.
5
Q
Why was the situation partly favourable to the Communists?
A
Simply bringing to an end the years of conflict generated goodwill towards the Communists.
As the Communists extended their control during the war - they proved they were capable of better organisation than nationalists (who squandered opportunities for so long).
Many non-communists thought that life under Mao would be tolerable and they would have a role in rebuilding China. This was because he declared the willingness to work with all social groups who had China’s interests at heart. It seemed that a new United Front could be constructed - representing middle-class and peasants, workers interests - to many - more attractive than Taiwan with Nationalists.
6
Q
How did the Civil War change Mao’s position?
A
The Civil War strengthened Mao’s position at the top of the Party. Reputation as a military commander elevated.
Mao unquestionability now architect of the new China - authority could not be challenged - also had the devoted loyalty of the PLA.
7
Q
What was industrial output in 1945 and why?
A
industrial output at 25% of pre-war level in 1945.
Chinese industrial output fell as the Japanese seized most productive areas as they advanced southwards. Scorched-earth tactics by retreating Nationalists.
8
Q
What was food production in 1945 compared to 1937? Why was this?
A
Food production was 30% lower in 1945 than in 1937.
Conscription of peasants to fight in both armies caused disruption to agriculture + displacement of thousands of people fleeing to escape Japanese in the east.
9
Q
When was the famine in Henan province and home many died?
A
1942-43
Two-three million deaths.
10
Q
What percentage of the urban population depended on surpluses from the countryside and why was this an issue?
A
20% of the urban population depended on surpluses from the countryside - but the countryside could not even feed itself.
11
Q
What was the Inflation rate in 1949?
A
1000%
12
Q
What percentage of China was agrarian?
A
80%
13
Q
What was the population in 1949? In 1951? In 1953?
A
1949 - 541 mil.
1951 - 563 mil.
19553 - 587 mil.
14
Q
What was the most common fertiliser used by peasants?
A
Human waste.
15
Q
Why was land reform difficult?
A
Vast areas of agricultural land - impossible to send to every village to organise land reform. Cadres also often lacked knowledge of how a village was organised. Differences in dialect made communication difficult. And most peasants are not concerned with political issues or revolutionary ideology.
16
Q
Why was there a lack of industrialisation?
Where were the most advanced industrial areas?
A
Not yet experienced an Industrial Revolution despite plentiful raw materials, huge labour force and sources of power. Most advanced industrial areas - Manchuria, Yangtze delta + eastern seaboard.
But Japan controlled Manchuria from 1931 - although they further developed its iron and steel industries - much of the new plants fell into Soviet hands.
17
Q
What did the loss of Manchuria cause Chiang Kai-shek to set up and why was this beneficial to Mao?
By 1945 what percentage of industry was state-owned and how many workers did the NRC have?
A
National Resources Committee (NRC) in 1932 - to channel investment into industries elsewhere. 1945 - 70% of industry state-owned - NRC staff of 30,000 technical experts and supervised workforce of 250,000 - many remained in China to serve Communists - state-owned industries were to remain nationalised.
18
Q
When was a radio station set up in Beijing?
A
Immediately - 1949
19
Q
What percentage of China was urban in 1949 and what did this reach in 1953?
A
5%
10%
20
Q
How much of the railway network was destroyed and why?
A
Estimated half of the railway network was destroyed. Blowing up railway tracks and bridges - key Communist tactic to disrupt Nationalist movement of troops - now a problem - had to rebuild them quickly to consolidate control, particularly in isolated, rural places.
21
Q
Why were harbours clogged? Give an example.
A
Telephone lines were damaged whilst rivers and harbours were clogged up with ships sunk from conflict. Hankou (second largest port) - target of American strikes occupying Japanese - reduced to rubble.
22
Q
How many were killed in the Shanghai raid in February 1950?
A
1000 people
23
Q
When did Beijing fall and when was the new republic officially established?
A
January 1949 ——> October 1949
24
Q
What was Xinhua and what did the ensure?
A
The government press agency - ensured mass circulation of daily newspapers reported favourably on government and Party - new system received positive publicity from outset.
25
When was the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and how many delegates attended?
September 1949.
600 delegates.
26
What range of delegates were there?
Mainly Communist sympathisers but included a range of minority groups (eight other political parties, including Left wing of KMT and the China Democratic League) - giving CPPCC a broader appearance and so greater legitimacy.
27
What did they approve? What was this?
The Common Program - declared that China had transformed into a new society based on an alliance between workers and peasants - interests would be represented by the CCP. Also guaranteed a wide range of personal freedoms (e.g. gender equality) - reality was different. It also gave the PLA and police the right to suppress all counter-revolutionaries activities - powers exercised greatly in coming years. Also named Mao as the head of state and emphasised the leading role of the CCP.
28
What did Mao say about the people’s dictatorship?
‘The combination of.….democracy for the people and dictatorship over the reactionaries, is the people’s democratic dictatorship’.
29
How was China divided and politically how did this work?
China was divided into six regions - decisions at national level could be imposed throughout the country. Creation of regional congress gave each region the impression that Beijing was listening to them. Four senior Communists officials in each region (military commander, army political commissar (monitors loyalty), government chairman and a Party Secretary (most powerful)). It was clear the CCP was not taking any chances. Some regions where power was highly concentrated. In Manchuria, Gao Gang held all four posts.
30
Why did China want to become so centralised?
This level of centralisation would prevent a return to warlord years where the central government was powerless.
31
What did the 1954 Constitution confirm?
That China was officially a Communist country.
32
The elections for the National People’s Conference produced how many delegates? Of those how many were minorities and how many were women?
1277 delegates (177 ethnic minorities and 149 women)
33
Was the constitution different to reality?
Although it was again couched in democratic terms - various references to elections - CCP retained control of the entire electoral process. Real power lay in highest Party bodies where decisions were taken before being ‘rubber stamped’ by state bodies.
34
How many bureaucrats were there in 1949 and how many did this grow to a decade later?
1949 - 720,000
A decade later - nearly 8 million.
35
Although this increased the central power of the CCP, why did this level of bureaucracy worry Mao?
Bureaucrats became more interested in preserving the status quo to safeguard their careers instead of advancing the revolution. This bureaucratisation of the revolution is what Mao felt was what went wrong in Soviet Russia.
36
How many were in the Party in 1949, and how much did this reach by the end of 1950?
4.5 mil.
5.8 mil.
37
How many delegates were at the Party Congress? A part the Central Committee? In the Polibturo?
2270 delegates
49
25
38
What was the Politburo ultimately controlled by?
The Standing Committee of Five
39
Who was a part of the Standing Committee of Five?
Mao Zedong - Standing Committee Chairman - held real authority - Head of State and National President.
Liu Shaoqi - Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, with power to alter laws passed by the Congress.
Zhou Enlai - Premier of the PRC and Foreign Minister. These men ran the government. In reality the NPC ‘rubber stamped’ their decisions. Although Mao didn’t make every decision or attend every Politburo meeting, there was no policy that he had not approved of.
Zhu De - National Vice-President.
Peng Duhai - Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of the PLA.
40
Who headed the State Council of the Central People’s Government and what did he coordinate?
Headed by Zhou Enlai - coordinates all 24 ministries.
41
How many people were in the Party by 1960?
20 million.
42
What did every employed citizen belong to and how was this useful to the CCP?
Every employed citizen belonged to a work unit (danwei) - led by a Party Cadre. Danwei issued permits to travel, marry and change jobs.
43
Why did the PLA enjoy a special place in Communist mythology?
Enabled the CCP to come to power by defeating the Japanese and KMT - so enjoyed a special place in Communist mythology.
44
What was Mao’s quote in 1938 that describes the relationship between the Party and the PLA?
Mao, 1938 - ‘Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. Our principle is that the Party commands the gun, and the gun must never be allowed to control the Party’.
45
By 1950 what percentage of the state budget did it take up?
World’s largest army in 1950 - 41% of the state budget.
46
How many were in the PLA in 1953 and in 1957? Why did this happen?
1953 - 3.5 mil.
1957 - 2.5 mil.
By reducing the size of the PLA, Mao was able to ensure the Party held the ‘gun’.
47
What PLA law was passed in 1955 and what did it mean?
Internally it acted as a means of indoctrination - conscription law passed in 1955 - ensured 800,000 new recruits every year, serving for 3 years.
48
What did soldiers call the PLA, and why? How did this benefit the regime?
Soldiers called the PLA ‘the Big University’ as it taught them to read and write - allowing the regime to indoctrinate them with Communist propaganda - creating a genuine ideological commitment.
49
What code of conduct was drawn up in 1956?
Aware it was losing the goodwill of peasants and thus influence, the PLA political department drew up a new code of conduct in 1956 stressing the need to help peasants.
50
What was ‘Learn from the PLA’?
‘Learn from the PLA’ - campaign instructed the people to learn from the revolutionary and personal attributes the ‘People’s Soldiers’ exemplified (discipline, bravery, commitment to the Communist cause, etc.). PLA was exempt from legal authority.
51
How was the PLA used politically?
PLA was a means for enforcing central government control in the regions (two of the four regional officers were high-ranking PLA members).
52
How was Mao attacked in 1956?
In 1956 Party Congress removed references to Mao Zedong Thought as the guiding ideology while Mao was unwell.
53
What percentage of the workforce were industrial workers?
1%
54
Why did Mao adapt Marxism?
Mao adapted Marxism to suit China - exploited peasants offered far greater revolutionary power - Mao already began to build strong links with the peasantry, first in Jiangxi and later in Yanan.
55
Where did Mao Zedong Thought originate from?
From essays that Mao wrote during the Yanan years - eventually became official Party doctrine.
56
Why was Nationalism important to Mao?
Mao wanted China free from foreign exploitation that undermined stability since the 19th century. Even the relationship with Russia was fragile - Mao determined not to slavishly follow the Russian model but use the friendship to his advantage. If China’s national interest clashed with any of his ideology, Mao invariably put Nationalism first.
57
Why was a ‘continuing revolution’ important to Mao?
1949, start not end of the Chinese Revolution - early years, Mao had to work with the Nationalists that remained - needed expertise in running administration and economy - reason he said that Capitalism should be regulated not destroyed and only limited nationalism in 1949. Compromises only tactical - stability should not lead to complacency and stagnation. Everyone must take part in the revolution and had the duty to lookout for enemies who would betray the revolution. This approach led to period purges of the CCP and frequent struggle meetings.
58
Why was mass mobilisation important to Mao?
Argued mass campaigns directed at achieving specific targets were the way forward. Numbers and revolutionary enthusiasm mattered more than experts when it came to developing the economy. Population was China’s main asset.
59
Was democratic centralism a reality?
Democratically elected local congresses governed at local levels. They would pass information up to the ‘Centre’. Officially it was democratic but once policy had been decided and it was dictated back down political structure, no deviation was allowed - justification, only Party leaders were sufficiently educated to understand what course of actions would best.
60
What was the need for the Rectification campaigns?
Failure to control Tibet, Xinjiang, Guangdong and Taiwan - real threat to CCP. Tibet and Xinjiang are border regions so were vulnerable to foreign influence.
61
Why was it difficult to launch rectification campaigns in Tibet and Xinjiang?
Religion in Tibet and Xinjiang - religion was fundamentally woven into the fabric of society. Buddhist leaders in Tibet held great political influence. Islamic ideas moulded attitudes on politics in Xinjiang. Religion presented a challenge to communist principles (no God existed) and loyalty - more important for the CCP to control these areas.
62
How many tried to resist Communist intervention in TIbet in November 1950?
60,000
63
What were Tibetan leaders in Lhasa forced to sign?
The 17 Point Agreement - terms for merging Tibet into the PRC.
64
How did the Communists violate the agreement?
Ignoring the agreement, the CCP imposed policies to wipe out all traces of Tibetan identity. Traditional religious practices and the teaching of Tibetan history and language was prohibited. Mandarin was enforced as the official language. Political meetings were banned with the threat of imprisonment. Part of the agreement - Tibet not subject to radical land reforms so boundaries were redrawn - Tibetans were now living in the Chinese province of Sichuan - forced to take part in communal land reforms.
65
In November 1952, what target did the CCP create for increasing the Tibetan population and how did they plan to do this?
November 1952, now declared raising of Tibetan population from 3 to 10 million. So encouraged the migration of the dominant Han ethnic group - would marginalise Tibetans and replace their culture. The PLA built a massive highway to Tibet (migrants + military) - improving infrastructure while destroying the traditional way of life.
66
What accompanied invading PLA units?
The invading PLA forces were accompanied by propaganda units to spread communism and convince Tibetans they needed liberation - newspapers + magazines, dances + dramas and outdoor cinemas and radio programmes - showed the benefit of communism, liberation and Mao. Publicly Tibetan leaders had no choice but to offer thanks to Mao.
67
The Dalai Lama was a delegate to the first what?
The Dalai Lama initially wanted to cooperate with the PRC - delegate to the first session of NPC and appointed deputy chairman of its Standing Committee.
68
What happened in Tibet in 1959?
But streams of Tibetan refugees began to pour into India with tales of persecution and in 1959 a local uprising (backed by the CIA) was brutally suppressed by the PLA. The Dalai Lama fled to exile in India rather than waiting to be removed - refused to return to Tibet (seen as endorsing the PRC) and continues to focus international attention to this day.
69
What happened in 1962 in Tibet?
His deputy, the Panchen Lama, took over and supported the PRC until 1962 - endorsed a petition criticising the treatment of Tibet during the famine - spent the next 20 years in jail or under house arrest.
70
How many Muslims were there in Xinjiang?
75% - 4 million.
71
What happened to the Nationalist leaders of Xinjiang in 1949?
Nationalist leaders were invited to CPPCC in 1949, but on the way to Beijing the plane crashed - all killed.
72
How did the Communists enforce control over Xinjiang?
Replacements agreed to submit to Chinese rule - given key posts in the regional council. The PLA captured the Capital (Urumqi) by the end of 1949.
Future Communist control was established by the appointment of a Long March veteran to run the local CCP and army unit while large numbers of Han Chinese were brought in to develop mining and Industry. The government organised settlers into a PLA coordinated militia, the ‘Production and Construction Corps’ - it quickly became the wealthiest institution in the region.
73
What was the rectification campaign in Guangdong?
KMT heartland during the last months of the Civil War - a Southern province where the regime feared that enemy spies and saboteurs remained. Coastal region - capital Canton (Guangzhou) was a valuable trading port close to Hong Kong - also feared an anti-communist sentiment. Estimated 28,000 were executed in Guangdong during the ‘Suppress the Counter-revolutionaries’ campaign.
74
How were danweis used to ensure conformity?
Danweis allocated their employed workers with food, housing and clothing. The cadre in charge of the danwei issued with food ration cards - distributed several times a month by police - denial of these became a powerful device to enforce conformity and registration allowed the Party to pry into people's lives.
75
During the early crackdown on crime, who was mainly targeted and how much criminals were arrested, of those how many were killed?
Beggars and prostitutes.
150,000 criminals - half were executed.
76
When was the Great Terror launched and why was this significant?
Launched at the same time the PLA was sent into North Korea (October 1950). Campaign was openly aimed at preventing Nationalist sympathisers and their spies.
77
Who were targeted?
Those who worked for the Nationalist government.
Academics who worked with foreign universities.
Western businessmen
Christian missionaries.
78
How did Mao use the Korean War to expand his campaign?
Campaign expanded by the Korean War - provided Mao with justification to purge his ‘class enemies’ on pretence of hunting for traitors - China had to be united and the gains of the Revolution could not be jeopardised. Severe measures taken against these loyal elements - some unpleasant, others justifiable.
79
What was Tao Zhu’s nickname and what did he do?
Tao Zhu - known as ‘the tank’ due to his ruthless reputation - dispatched to orchestrate the clampdown in Guangxi province bordering Vietnam - treatment required because of lingering Nationalist sympathies - he proudly claimed responsibility for the killing of over 46000 bandits in the next 12 months.
80
What was Lou Ruiqing known for?
Luo Ruiqing - Head of security in Beijing - responsible for transmitting Mao’s wishes to the provincial leaders. pressure from Luo led to the leader of Hubei Province stepping up killings - 220 (Jan 1951) to 45,000 (Oct).
81
What was Mao’s decree in February 1951?
‘Regulations regarding the Punishments of Counter Revolutionaries’ extended the definition of counter-revolutionary activity to include all forms of political dissent - those who studied in the US and anyone who had family in Taiwan - unpatriotic + having nationalist tendencies respectively.
82
By when was there a bottleneck in prisons?
Summer 1951
83
How did the Party encourage ordinary Chinese citizens to become involved in political activities?
Rallies organised to denounce counter revolutionaries. Victims subjected to public struggle meetings when they were forced to admit their guilt in front of large crowds - chanted ‘kill the counter revolutionaries!’. Responding to the will of the masses, sentences were often carried out.
84
In April 1951, what did the Ministry of Public Security publish?
‘How to Hold an Accusation Meeting’.
85
How did the Party use The People’s Daily as a means of intimidation?
The People's Daily published long lists of gruesome details of punishment of political criminals - intimidation.
86
How many deaths did the government record?
How many were estimated?
How many were sent to labour camps or became subjected to surveillance by the PLA?
710,000
2 million
Millions.
87
What was the reason behind the ‘three antis’ being launched?
End of 1951 - ‘three antis’ campaign launched. Catalyst was the arrest (Nov) of two leading members in the CCP in Tianjin - charged with embezzling large sums from the Party.
88
Who did Mao put in charge of the Three Antis and what did it target?
Bo Yibo, was put in charge of orchestrating a clean up - targeted corruption, waste and bureaucracy.
89
What was Mao’s quote about the three antis?
‘We must probably execute or 10000 to several tens of thousands of embezzlers nationwide before we can solve our problem‘ - Mao.
90
How many civilian officers were grilled and screened?
3.83 million.
91
How many ‘Tigers’ did Bo Yibo boast about hunting down?
100,000 in East China
92
How did the ‘three antis’ affect the economy?
Managers and technicians tied up for months - deprived the economy of badly needed assets. Feb 1952 - Tianjin reported that wholesale trade was down by half, banks stopped loans and private businesses dared not to buy any goods. Manchuria - production fell by half.
93
How did the ‘three antis’ reflect on the Communists?
Corruption was an epidemic under nationalists - the campaign had appeal and many thought the Communists were trying to root out corruption but those involved knew the accusations were often false and it was fear that prevented people from standing up for each other.
94
When was the purge widened and to what?
In January 1952 - ‘the five antis’ - bribery, tax evasion, the theft of state property, fraud and economic espionage.
95
How did Mao specifically target bourgeoise and middle classes and bring about confessions?
Those who confessed were encouraged to believe they might receive lenient treatment if they helped identify other guilty businessmen - the more desperate they became, the more dedicated they were to hunting and incriminating victims than Party cadres even if those names were innocent - after serving their purpose they were executed.
Telling a businessman’s wife and children that he was guilty and the only possible way out was to confess - fearing his death they pleaded with him to admit his guilt. Sometimes to avoid being implicated, wives and children denounced husbands and fathers with bright red ‘Denunciation Boxes’ set up on street corners (speeded up the process). Those found guilty were made to pay huge fines and had their property confiscated.
96
How did the Party use workers’ groups to accuse their employees of crimes?
The scope of which was so wide they could practically say anything. Loudspeakers setup in cities warning business owners: ‘Evidence of all your misdeeds is now in our hands. ‘Confess!’ Banners were put up. ‘Tiger Beaters’, selected employees of a firm, were organised by Party cadres into a team of activists ordered to gather incriminating evidence against former bosses and managers - beaters intimidated the ‘capitalist tigers’ torturing them until they were dragged before a mass struggle meeting - forced to confess.
97
According to Dikotter, how many were shot, sent to the Laogai and how many were jailed?
Roughly 1% shot, 1% sent to the Laogai, 3% jailed for more than 10 years and the rest fined
98
How many committed suicide and why? How did the Communists try to stop this?
Fear of humiliation drove many to suicide (estimated almost 200,000) - nets attached to high buildings, parks patrolled to stop tree hanging.
99
In Shanghai, what percentage of businessmen were found guilt of at least one the ‘Five Antis’?
99%
100
How did the CCP use the campaign to take over private businesses?
Campaigns helped establish the Party’s control over private companies. Businesses forced to pay fines had to sell stock to the State in order to pay for them - creating public-private enterprises - Party sent cadres to take on management roles. Fines thus helped to destroy old businesses and contribute to finance the Korean War.
101
What did the CCP say the Laogai was about and what was it in reality?
Official explanation of laogai camps - re-education not punishment - misguided who failed to grasp Communism would be shown the errors of their ways, before being reintegrated as citizens - in reality it supplied the terror that the regime depended on to frighten most into conformity.
102
Who provided guidance on the management of a new labour camp system?
The Soviets.
103
By 1953 how many prisoners were there in the Laogai?
2 million.
104
By 1955, how much did the laogai output annually?
700 million yuan in industrial porducts and 350,000 tonnes of grain.
105
What percentage were political prisoners?
90%
106
What were the conditions like?
brutal, constant fear of violence and use of sleep deprivation and other forms of torture and always had labour + poor diet. Added was the psychological effect of thought reform - endless self criticism and indoctrination meetings - designed to make prisoners lose their previous identity - the only way to prove you had changed was beating up another prisoner.
In Sichuan, inmates were made to build railroads in the middle of winter and fed barely enough to stay alive - many took their own lives.
107
What did the head of the Public Security Bureau say about inmates and what does this demonstrate about the CCP’s view towards inmates?
Inmates were entirely expendable - ‘It is better for prisoners to die,’ said the head of the Public Security Bureau, ‘than to flee’.
108
How many were in the Laogai at any one time?
10 million
109
How many died in the laogai between 1949 and 1975?
As high as 25 million.
110
What was guanzhi and by 1953 how many were under this?
Supervision by local Party cadres, as a way to respond to prison congestion. Used more in rural areas. 1953 - 740,000, likely to be higher - local cadres took the law in their own hands.
111
When did Mao launch the Hundred Flowers Campaign and what was his quote?
April 1956 - in an address to the CCP Mao called on delegates to let ‘let a hundred flowers bloom, and a hundred schools of thought contend’.
112
Why were critics slow to surface?
The media campaign against Ho Feng led to the arrest of a hundred or so intellectuals only two years earlier.
113
What did Mao do in February 1957? Why did critics begin to surface?
He still had no support and so retreated to his Hundred Flowers theme in a major speech.
Too often he said the Party had wrongly identified intellectuals as enemies of the regime and used too much force to control them + 800,000 killed and violent class struggle was over - speech taped for Party officials.
114
How did Intellectuals begin criticising the CCP?
Big posters put on factory and office walls denouncing Party’s failure to provide democratic rights or freedom of expression in art or culture. Many complained about economic inequalities, criticising their low wages and comparing them to the privileged Party elites. Some Party headquarters were stormed by angry students who tied officials up and marched them though the street.
115
How did Mao respond?
Halt to debate announced and Mao rounded on his critics - branded as ‘Rightists’ - intention to destroy the revolution. Anti-Rightist campaign (July 1957). What began as a call for open expression became another exercise in Thought Control.
116
How many were sent to the Laogai?
Half a million.
117
What was a consequence of the Anti-Rightist Campaign 1957?
Mao’s grip on CCP tightened.
118
Why was Zhou Enlai obliged to make a self-criticism?
Zhou Enlai (despite being one of Mao’s most loyal supporters) was obliged to make a humiliating self-criticism in front of a large party gathering. In ordering Zhou to make this statement, which was simply untrue, Mao was showing that nobody in the party or government, nor matter how prominent their position, was beyond investigation and criticism.
119
Why might Mao have launched the Campaign?
(Bureaucracy)
Mao feared the Party had become less revolutionary - feared it became bureaucratic - party cadres were privileged managers not revolutionaries. Mao wanted to encourage intellectuals to point out mistakes of the Party - their criticism would allow Mao to remove them.
120
Why might Mao have launched the Campaign?
(Optimism)
Mao however could have just been optimistic - successful reunification campaigns, First Five-Year Plan and Korean War initiative - Mao could have just expected endorsement for his policies by intellectuals giving him greater influence and allowing him to establish Communism rapidly.
121
Why might Mao have launched the Campaign?
(De-Stalinisation)
Apparent call for an open debate (with intellectuals) was partly influenced by de-stalinisation which led to uncertainty in Russia - Mao saw how destalinisation could make him be easily attacked, prompted by his desire not to expose himself to the same criticism levelled at Stalin. Encouragement of criticism would prevent comparisons being made between him and Stalin. But Hungarian Uprising (Oct) made Mao realise appearing too open-minded might courage challenges to Communist rule.
122
Why do many historians believe it was a deliberate manoeuvre by Mao to expose his critics and remove them easily?
He also declared that ‘poisonous weeds’ had grown among ‘fragrant flowers’ - so broad that crimes liable for punishment included ‘opposing socialist culture’ - targets also needed to be met.
Many historians believe it was a deliberate manoeuvre by Mao to expose his critics and remove them easily.
123
What does Jonathan Spence argue about the reason for the Hundred Flowers Campaign?
Jonathan Spence argued it was simply a result of contradictory thinking among CCP leaders. At its core was an argument about the pace and development that was best for China. It was simply a muddled, inconclusive movement that grew out of conflicting attitudes.
124
How many Chinese soldiers died in the Korean War?
400,000
125
Why did Mao enter the War?
A Communist Ally - expanding the Chinese sphere of influence.
Threat of American Invasion and Geography.
Mao possibly hoped that if Chinese soldiers fought in Korea, the PRC would receive Soviet technology and equipment. Or Mao was manipulated into fighting because it suited the Soviet (thus Communist) foreign policy.
126
(Benefits)
How did the Korean War lead to greater unity?
1950 - China lacked singular unity - over 50 national groups - Korean War offered the opportunity to create national unity through creating antipathy to the USA and a sense of collective endeavour which promoted the idea of the PLA soldier hero.
127
(Benefits)
How did the CCP use propaganda during the Korean War?
Give two examples.
What rumour did they spread?
How many counter-revolutionaries were arrested and many executions were there in the first half of 1951?
‘Resist America, Aid Korea’ - Mao used war rationale to purge his enemies on the pretence of them being spies or traitors - collective spirit forged in mass meetings - whipped up hatred for America. Campaign denounced Americans as 'bandits, murderers and savages'. Posters put up showing Truman and Macarthur as vampiric ghouls. Mass meetings publicly denounced opponents and sentenced the man to death - atmosphere of fear + suspicion. The People’s Daily published a long list of political criminals alongside gruesome details of their punishment - the government recorded 800,000 counter-revolutionary and 135,000 official executions (first half of 1951). Regime spread rumour of Americans using biological weapons (insects infected with anthrax) - rumours believed because the Japanese (now US ally) tried the same tactic in WW2. 'Preserve our Homes, Defend the Nation’ - urged by press + government broadcasts. June 1950 - US invasion condemned as imperialism - thousands of soldiers already fighting as 'volunteers' by October. Mass meetings were organised in workplaces and schools. Persecution of those who refused to participate ensured mass participation. Created a sense of unity.
128
(Benefits)
How did the CCP use the PLA as propaganda to generate support for the CCP?
Model soldier hero - UN forces had advanced artillery and overwhelming air superiority + Chinese medical supplies were inadequate and winter clothing unfit for harsh Korean winter - 90% of troops suffered from frostbite - despite this, Chinese military not defeated by UN forces - enabled regime to regale Chinese people with propaganda tales of PLA bravery. Farmers pledged to increase production and donate surplus crops to the troops. Workers joined patriotic campaigns increasing production in key industries (coal, iron, steel). Businessmen and industrialists signed 'patriotic pacts’ - promised to pay taxes on time. One woman was so impressed by the stories of PLA capturing American soldiers 'carrying them away while they slept in their sleeping bags’ that she donated a whole week's wages. Forced donations of up to three months salary was also collected in cities
129
(Benefits)
How did the Korean War improve China’s International Prestige and sphere of influence?
International prestige - ceasefire aided to national unity of the new regime + proved to the west that they were mere 'paper Tigers’ - fearsome looking and sounding but easy to defeat - China no longer exploited by foreign powers- enhanced Mao's personal prestige among the Chinese people. Mao possibly hoped to become the leader of the Communist world and fellow Asian communists could not help but notice it was Chinese soldiers fighting in Korea. not Russian.
130
(Failures)
What was the financial impact of the Korean War?
War cost the PRC $10 billion and 400,000 soldiers (of 3 mil). Stalin made sure the USSR would benefit by charging high interest on any money lent to the PRC - drained economy - material losses took more than a decade to make good. Mao remarked that the PRC had to pay down the last rifle and bulletin for Soviet supplies.
Over half of government spending in 1951 went on the military. Soviet loans crippled the economy. Such were the demands of the army that high levels of coercion proved necessary in order to obtain the food - even famine in some regions. USA trade embargo on Chinese goods - caused a 30% fall in foreign trade in the first six months of 1951. The delayed development of China’s industrial growth restricted the successes of the First Five Year Plan. Also meant limited progress in healthcare, education, etc - set back years by the cost of war.
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How did the threat against China increase?
The Republic of China - China forced to accept the existence of Nationalist Taiwan - June 1950, Truman warned occupation of Taiwan by Communist forces would be a direct threat to the security of the Pacific area - sent the US Seventh Fleet to patrol the taiwan strait - impossibility of promise of reunification was a great blow to China’s national pride.
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How did Relations with the West worsen?
Relations with the West - Chinese intervention reinforced the US's mistaken belief in the existence of a monolithic Communist plan for global conquest. Having killed thousands of American soldiers, the Chinese were figures of hatred, accomplices in Stalin's evil communist empire. The Korean war resulted in the US's harshly anti-communist Cold War policy becoming permanently entrenched. US commitment to containment led US defence spending to reach $50 bn a year + desperate to avoid right-wing criticism of 'loss' of China to communism. Truman began building a system of alliances in East Asia.
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As a result of the Korean War, what changed in relations with the Soviet Union?
Relations with the Soviet Union - the most damaging impact of war was that it left China securely on the Russian side of the Cold War. Mao hoped to extricate more economic and military support from Stalin - Mao succeeded in impressing Stalin - Chinese foreign minister Chen Yi reported that Stalin shed tears upon hearing of China's intervention in Korea against the West. ‘The Chinese comrades are so good!’ he explained. However China was isolated - no western diplomatic recognition - thus no democratic influences. Personal cost to Mao - his son (Mao was very close) was killed in an attack on PLA headquarters - Mao heard the news and remained stoic- 'in revolutionary war, you always pay a price’. Now the PRC was totally dependent on Soviet economic aid and advice.
