China Dates and Events

Mao Zedong

Born in 1893, he became the founding father of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Guomindang (GMD)

Nationalist Party in China that fought against warlords for control from 1912 to 1928.

May Fourth Movement

A 1919 cultural and political movement in China that marked Mao’s entry into the Communist movement.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

Founded in 1921, it became a major political party in China opposing the Guomindang.

Long March

A strategic retreat by the CCP beginning in October 1934, covering 3,000 km and led by Mao.

Three Mountains Campaign

Campaign against feudalism, capitalism, and imperialism launched in 1950.

Agrarian Reform Law

Passed in 1950 to redistribute land from landlords to peasants.

Marriage Law

Introduced in 1950, it aimed to prevent arranged marriages and grant equal rights to women.

Three Antis Campaign

Launched in 1951 targeting corruption, waste, and bureaucracy among party members.

Five Antis Campaign

Initiated in 1952 targeting bribery, tax evasion, and other forms of corruption.

First Five-Year Plan

Soviet-style industrialization program launched from 1953 to 1957, focusing on heavy industry.

Hundred Flowers Campaign

A 1956 initiative encouraging criticism of the party, which led to the Anti-Rightist Campaign.

Anti-Rightist Campaign

Launched in 1957, it aimed to suppress dissent and resulted in the purging of many people.

Great Leap Forward

Mao's second Five-Year Plan (1958-1962) that led to economic breakdown and famine.

Cultural Revolution

A socio-political movement initiated by Mao from 1966 to 1976, aimed at reinforcing communist ideology.

One-Child Policy

Introduced in 1979 to control China’s population growth.

Tiananmen Square protests

A pro-democracy movement in 1989, which was violently suppressed by the government.

Deng Xiaoping

Leader of China post-Mao known for economic reforms and opening China to global markets.

Agrarian Reform Law (Year)

1950, aimed at redistributing land to peasants.

Cultural Revolution (Years)

1966 to 1976, marked by various campaigns against 'Four Olds'.

End of WWII in China

1945, led to Mao gaining the support of over 100 million Chinese.

Chinese Civil War

Conflict between the CCP and GMD that began in 1927.

Mao's imprisonment year

1927, after the GMD purged the CCP.

Chiang Kai-shek

Leader of the Guomindang from 1925; key figure in the Chinese Civil War.

Shanghai falls to Communists

End of 1949, leading to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.

PLAs role in Tibet

The People’s Liberation Army invaded Tibet in 1950 and crushed resistance.

Death of Mao Zedong

1976, marking the end of the Cultural Revolution.

China joins the United Nations

1971, replacing Taiwan as the recognized government.

Deng's economic reforms start

1978, initiating significant economic changes in China.

Mao's leadership established

In 1936 when he solidified his role as the leader of the CCP.

First industrialisation initiative

First Five-Year Plan from 1953 to 1957, emphasizing state control.

Japanese capture of Shanghai

November 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Japanese take Nanjing

December 1937, part of the Japanese invasion of China.

Mass protests in 1989

Led to the Tiananmen Square crackdown by the PLA.

Deng Xiaoping's policies

Focused on reforming the economy and increasing foreign relations.

Long March significance

A major strategic retreat that solidified Mao's leadership and the CCP's resolve.

Public executions in 1950

Part of the Suppression of Counter-Revolutionaries campaign.

Counter-Revolutionaries campaign targets

GMD members, bandits, and religious groups.

Mao's speech on contradictions

Delivered on February 27, 1957 focusing on handling discourse among the populace.

Economic focus during Great Leap Forward

Mass collectivization and rapid industrialization.

The role of Red Guards

Mobilised during the Cultural Revolution to enforce Maoist ideology.

Death toll during Great Leap Forward

Millions died due to famine caused by collectivisation failures.

Breach of Yellow River dykes

Initiated by Chiang Kai-shek in Spring 1938 to counter the Japanese, causing massive flooding.

Formation of major youth organizations

All-China Federation of Democratic Youth and Women established in 1951.

Chiang's military campaign against Communists

Launched in 1931 to eradicate the CCP.

Influence of Soviet policies

Inspired the economic plans and reforms in China during the 1950s.

Scale of the Long March

Involved 100,000 Communists over a 3,000 km journey.

The role of Mao after 1949

Chief architect of the People's Republic of China and its policies until his death.

Mass denunciations in 1952

3,000 mass meetings held in Shanghai as part of the Five Antis Campaign.

Mao’s response to public anger

Made a statement regarding executions in June 1952 to calm the populace.

Establishment after Mao's death

Led to the end of strict policies of the Cultural Revolution.

Crisis in Tibet

Encountered major resistance following the PLA's annexation.

Social effects of the Cultural Revolution

Widespread persecution of intellectuals and class-based violence.

Deng Xiaoping's rise to power

Marked a shift towards economic reforms post-1978.

First campaign against capitalists

Launched during the 'Three Mountains' campaign in 1950.

Female rights under Marriage Law

Introduced in 1950 to enhance women's rights in marriage.

Mao's military strategies

Employed during the Civil War and against foreign invaders.

Mass collectivization strategies

Implemented during the Great Leap Forward causing economic distress.

1951 All-China Federations

Established to integrate youth and women's voices in politics.

1957 criticism of officials

Led to the Anti-Rightist Campaign against intellectual dissent.

Impact of the Cultural Revolution on society

Caused severe disruptions and persecution in Chinese society.

Focus of the Hundred Flowers Campaign

To promote open criticism and self-rectification within the party.

Mao’s strategies on public relations

Emphasized rapid industrialization and control over criticisms.

Commencement of reforms in 1978

Initiated under Deng Xiaoping to open China’s economy.

Mao's legacy

Characterised by authoritarian policies and significant socioeconomic upheaval.

Change in global perceptions post-1971

China replacing Taiwan in the United Nations altered international dynamics.

Objective of the One-Child Policy

To reduce the rapid population growth in China.

Guomindang's military strategies

Focused on combating warlordism and later the CCP in the early 20th century.

Impact of the Cultural Revolution on education

Severe disruptions led to a loss of traditional education and intellectualism.

Fall of Shanghai to Communists

End of 1949, a pivotal moment marking the Nationalists' retreat.

Significance of the Agrarian Reform Law

Land was redistributed to ensure peasant rights and reduce feudal power.

Important year for Mao’s rise

1949, establishment of the People’s Republic of China.

First mass campaign by Mao

Suppression of Counter-Revolutionaries during 1950.

Intellectual persecution in the Cultural Revolution

Targeted through violence led by Red Guards and state apparatus.

Maoist ideology

Emphasized class struggle, collectivism, and revolutionary zeal.

Economic strategy post-Mao

Shifted towards market reforms and integration into global economy.