PRC under Deng 1976-97 - 23. Political Growth in Protests 1982-97

Question 1

What institutional reforms did Deng implement to try to maintain stability?

Answer 1

• Replaced older less educated with younger technical experts
• More supervision on the cadres
• PLA reformed with military ranks re-introduced

Question 2

What were the causes for growth in protests?

Answer 2

• Expansion of education so students opposed living conditions
• Intellectual debates challenging CCP control – the ‘break all barriers’ campaign
• The open-door policy exposed China’s people to global culture and realisation of exploitation

Question 3

Highlight the events of the Tiananmen square massacre?

Answer 3

• Hu Yaobang suddenly died in 1989 which sparked rumours about his death, rallies of mourners in the square evolved into protests for pro – democracy
• Bejing Student Autonomous Federation (BSAF) + BWAF (Workers) were established which grew the protests
• April 1989 100,000 people marched on the square breaking through barricades
• In May Gorbachev visited Bejing along with worlds media which encouraged protests more – students began hunger strike – Placed under Martial Law and ¼ of a million troops descended into Bejing – 600-1200 killed