Maoism Flashcards
(16 cards)
Q1: What is Maoism?
A: Maoism is a form of communism developed by Mao Zedong. It emphasizes the revolutionary role of the rural peasantry, the importance of mass mobilization, guerrilla warfare, self-reliance, and the belief in permanent revolution.
Q2: How does Maoism differ from Soviet Marxism-Leninism?
A: Unlike Soviet ideology which prioritized urban industrial workers, Maoism focused on the countryside and peasants as the core revolutionary force. It was more nationalistic, anti-imperialist, and supported decentralized guerrilla tactics.
Q3: What famous quote sums up Mao’s view of power?
A: “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”
Q4: What are some core features of Maoism?
A: Peasant-led revolution, self-reliance, anti-imperialism, continuous class struggle, central control with encouragement of mass participation.
Q5: What role did China play in the Korean War (1950–1953)?
A: China sent around 3 million troops to support North Korea against U.S.-led UN forces. The intervention solidified Mao’s domestic authority and showed China’s willingness to fight imperialism.
Q6: How did the Korean War affect China’s international status?
A: Despite massive casualties, China emerged as a key communist power capable of standing up to the United States, boosting Mao’s reputation globally.
Q7: What was Mao’s involvement in the Vietnam War?
A: Mao supported North Vietnam and the Viet Minh by providing military advisors, anti-aircraft troops, logistics, and weapons. He emphasized “People’s War” as the path to victory.
Q8: How did Mao use Vietnam to promote his ideology?
A: He published “Long Live the Victory of People’s War”, promoting guerrilla warfare, self-reliance, and the idea of revolutionary struggle against imperialism.
Q9: How did the Vietnam War affect China–USSR relations?
A: China refused to allow Soviet military aid to pass through its territory, fearing Soviet influence over Vietnam. This worsened the Sino-Soviet split and led to open hostility between Beijing and Moscow.
Q10: What was the Third Front Campaign (1964)?
A: A strategic relocation of industry and infrastructure into China’s interior to prepare for potential war with the USA. It reflected Mao’s fear of encirclement and his commitment to self-reliance.
Q11: Why was the Geneva Conference (1954) important for China?
A: It was the first time China participated as an equal diplomatic power. China pushed its Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and helped shape the Indochina ceasefire.
Q12: What happened at the Bandung Conference (1955)?
A: China met with 28 newly independent Asian and African countries to promote non-alignment and peaceful coexistence. It aimed to improve relations with neighbors and reduce Western influence.
Q13: What are China’s Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence?
A: Mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
Q14: Why did Mao criticize Khrushchev and the Soviet Union?
A: Mao opposed Khrushchev’s de-Stalinization and softer approach to the West. He accused the USSR of “revisionism” and betraying true Marxist-Leninist principles.
Q15: What happened at the Moscow Conference in 1961?
A: China walked out after the USSR criticized Albania’s Stalinist leadership, which Mao saw as an attack on his own governance style. This formalized the Sino-Soviet split.
Q16: What personal insults were exchanged between Mao and Khrushchev?
A: Khrushchev called Mao an “Asian Hitler” and a “living corpse.” Mao replied by calling Khrushchev a “redundant old boot.”
