Mao's China: Major Events, Reforms, and Policies (1949-1979)

What year was the People's Republic of China (PRC) established?

1949

What major event occurred from 1934 to 1937 that consolidated Mao's power?

The Long March

What was the Great Leap Forward?

A campaign from 1958 to 1960 aimed at rapidly industrializing China, which led to widespread famine.

What was the outcome of the Great Leap Forward?

An estimated 20-40 million people died of starvation.

What was the Cultural Revolution?

A socio-political movement from 1966 to 1976 aimed at preserving Mao's ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society.

What was the Hundred Flowers Campaign?

A 1956 initiative where Mao encouraged citizens to express their opinions, which led to criticism of the government.

What did Mao's Agrarian Reform target?

The feudal system and landlords.

What was the Marriage Law of 1950 aimed at changing?

The traditional family structure and patriarchal system.

What was the Five Anti-Movement?

A campaign against wealthy businessmen and private property/business.

What was the purpose of the Thought Reform?

To eliminate individual thinking and promote conformity to Communist ideology.

What was the role of the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution?

They were young people who attacked the 'Four Olds': old ideology, old thought, old habits, and old customs.

What was the impact of the Cultural Revolution on education?

Schools were closed and education was disrupted.

What was Mao's Little Red Book?

A collection of Mao's quotes and political ideas, emphasizing revolutionary thought.

What was the significance of the 1971 Ping Pong diplomacy?

It marked a thaw in relations between the US and China, leading to resumed trade.

Who emerged as the leader of China after Mao's death in 1976?

Deng Xiaoping

What was the political structure of China under Mao?

A totalitarian regime with a command economy and a cult of personality around Mao.

What was the primary goal of Mao's economic reforms?

To rebuild the economy and modernize China through nationalization and industrialization.

What were communes in the context of the Great Leap Forward?

Groups of collective farms where people were directed to produce steel instead of focusing on agriculture.

What did Mao do to traditional Chinese values?

He sought to destroy them, promoting equality and eliminating Confucianism.

What was the outcome of Mao's policies on dissent?

Purges of opposition, punishment of dissenters, and silencing of experts.

What was the role of the Politburo in Mao's government?

It was the upper echelon of the government responsible for making key decisions.

What was the impact of Mao's foreign policy on Taiwan?

Mao considered invading Taiwan, leading to US support for Taiwan and the Nationalists.

What was the primary focus of Mao's first Five Year Plan?

To increase industrial production and promote steel production.

What was the significance of the term 'cult of personality' in Mao's China?

It refers to the adoration of Mao as a god-like figure, demanding loyalty to the state.