China and the Korean War

Question 1

The war’s role in enhancing CCP control, suppressing opposition and promoting national unity

Answer 1

• Helped enhance the power of the CCP. Mao could prove to Stalin that he was a trustworthy ally.
• Provided an excuse to lock up its enemies.
• Gave the regime an excuse to enforce conscription, raise taxes and force farmers to give up their crops to aid the war effort.
• Launched the ‘Resist America, Aid Korea’ campaign - mobilised public support for the Chinese army by encouraging workers to donate wages for the war effort - created a sense of national pride and unity.
• If the Communist Party could successfully fight, Mao would be viewed as a brave and heroic leader.

Question 2

The human cost of war

Answer 2

Of the 3 million soldiers sent to Korea, 400,000 died.
The forced requisition of grain to supply the armed forces led to famine in some parts of the country.
Businessmen were forced to leave the country and had their property confiscated, while many Christian missionaries were arrested.

Question 3

The financial cost of war

Answer 3

As a result of the money spent on the war, much needed reforms in education, healthcare, transport and infrastructure did not happen.
The government did negotiate military support from the Soviet Union, but this aid was not free and had to be paid back.
The war cost the PRC 10 billion.

Question 4

China’s enhanced international prestige

Answer 4

China had previously been viewed as the ‘sick man of Asia’, a backward nation bullied and humiliated by foreign powers.
Military success in the war meant that China was now feared and respected in the West.