Leadership struggles post Cultural Revolution

Question 1

Mao criticisms of Lin Biao

Answer 1

• thought the military had been too hards kin its treatment of cadres in 1966-68
• March 1970, Mao proposed that title of ‘President’ be removed, didn’t want to hold it, not necessary for revolution
• 11 April 1970 Lin phoned numerous leaders, suggesting that presidency should be retained
• refused to make a self-criticism in March 1972

Question 2

Lushan Plenum 1970

Answer 2

• 23 August
• Lin trying to ‘work towards the Chairman’, flatter Mao by going further than his stated position
• Lin would be likely next candidate
• Chen Boda proposes ‘genius’ in Constitution, denounced Zhang Chunqiao, rebuked by Mao for distrubing party unity

Question 3

Plot against Mao

Answer 3

• Lin’s son Lin Liguo wanted to keep father safe\
• only way is to overthrow Mao
• Project 571
• August-Sep 1971

Question 4

Lin death

Answer 4

• sister Doudou reported on Lin
• 13 September 1971, plane carrying them crashed
• people lost faith in the system

Question 5

Wang Hongwen

Answer 5

• appointed as vice-chairman of the party 28 August 1973
• Shanghai radical
• protege of Gang of Four

Question 6

Deng Xiaoping return

Answer 6

• 29 March 1973

- resumed duties as vice-premier

Question 7

Zhou death

Answer 7

• 8 January 1976
• not given a public memorial service
• mao told deng to cease work a few days after Zhou’s funeral
• 29 March -4 April people laid wreaths at tiannamen square
• 6 April, 10 000 police dispersed them
• Mao convinced that it was an attempt to bring Deng into power