China Terms

Sun Yat Sen

Formed revolutionary league in 1905

leader of the young revolutionaries

Played key role in overthrow of the Qing dynasty

declared pres of new national assembly and republic

resigned in march for Yuan Shi Kai a conservative army leader

Guomindang (GMD)

Nationalist Party formed with sun as its leader the party brought together sun's revolutionary league and other small revolutionary parties. Initially led by Sun Yat Sen.

• Played a significant role in the Chinese revolution and establishment of the Republic of China.

• Aimed to unify China and regain sovereignty.

• After Sun's death, was led by Chiang Kai-shek.

• Shifted focus towards authoritarianism under Chiang.

• Engaged in civil conflict with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), leading to the Chinese Civil War

Jiang jieshi (Chiang Kaishek)

Became leader of the GMD in 1926 he undertook a campaign against the Warlords among those supporting his efforts were Communists such as young Mao Zedong.

Mao Zedong

Founder of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

• Led the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) through the Chinese Civil War.

• Implemented revolutionary policies during the Great Leap Forward, aiming for rapid industrialization.

• Initiated the Cultural Revolution to reinforce communist ideology and eliminate perceived threats.

• His leadership and policies resulted in significant social, political, and economic changes in China.

Russian comintern

established in 1919 in order to spread Marxist Revolution Beyond Russia encourage the formation of the Chinese Communist party in 1921 

The Long March

• A strategic retreat by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1934-1935.

• Spanned over 6,000 miles across rugged terrain.

• Aimed to evade the pursuing Nationalist forces led by the Guomindang (GMD).

• Cemented Mao Zedong's status as a key leader within the CCP.

• Helped in garnering support for the CCP among the Chinese peasantry due to its portrayal as a heroic struggle.

Mao Zedong thought

This was  maoist ideology and a product of Mao's own peasant background and early career.

 The key elements were:  Marxist Revolution, the importance of the peasants, a two-stage Revolution, Mass mobilization and voluntaryism, continuous Revolution, self-criticism and rectification, ruthless determination, the Primacy of Mao Zedong thought.

Zhou Enlai

A prominent Chinese politician and diplomat.

• Served as the first Premier of the People's Republic of China from 1949 until his death in 1976.

• Key figure in the early years of the CCP and closely worked with Mao Zedong.

• Played a crucial role in Foreign Affairs, promoting diplomatic relations with various countries, including the United States.

• Helped navigate China through challenging periods, such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, often acting as a stabilizing force.

• Known for his pragmatic approaches and efforts to modernize China’s economy.

Hundred flowers campaign 1956-57

Allowed and encouraged open criticism of the way the party had been working

 aimed to promote progress in the Arts and Sciences and a flourishing socialist culture

 in May and June of 1957 the central government received a deluge of letters

 magazine articles and posters appeared and there were rallies in the streets as students at Beijing University complained about political corruption and other issues. 

Mal claimed such activity went beyond healthy criticism and he called off the campaign.

Peng Dehuai

• A prominent Chinese military leader and politician.

• Served as a high-ranking general in the People's Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War.

• Played a key role in the Korean War as China supported North Korea against South Korea.

• Criticized Mao Zedong's policies, especially during the Great Leap Forward, advocating for more practical and constructive approaches.

• Was a key figure in the Chinese military and held several important government positions.

Part of Group of 5

Deng Xiaoping

A prominent Chinese leader and reformer who played a key role in opening China's economy in the late 20th century.

• Became de facto leader of China after Mao Zedong's death in 1976.

• Introduced market-oriented reforms, moving China towards a socialist market economy.

• Known for the phrase 'Socialism with Chinese characteristics', which allowed for some degree of private enterprise.

Liu Shaoqi

A prominent Chinese politician and revolutionary leader.

• Served as the President of the People's Republic of China from 1959 until 1968.

• Worked closely with Mao Zedong and was instrumental in early Communist Party policies.

• Advocated for economic reforms and was part of the promotion of Socialist Education Movement.

• Later criticized and purged during the Cultural Revolution, facing severe persecution.

Group of five

Committee established in January 1965 to initiate a revolution in China's culture was led by Peng Zhen

however only one of its five members, Kang Sheng, was a firm supporter of mao.

Their failure to act vigorously enough led to the dismissal of Peng Zhen as mayor and the dissolution of the committee in May 1966.

Gang of four

Powerful political group that was created in 1974 it consisted of four CCP officials who oversaw the suppression of a wide variety of traditional cultural activities during the cultural revolution.

Its members were Jiang Qing (Mao's wife) Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Hongwen.

The Great Leap Forward

• Launched in 1958 as an economic and social campaign.

• Aimed to rapidly transform China from an agrarian society to an industrialized socialist society.

• Promoted the establishment of collectivized farms and large-scale industrial projects.

• Resulted in widespread famine and economic disaster, leading to millions of deaths.

• Criticized for its overly ambitious goals and lack of practical planning.

Little red guards

Youth organization formed during the cultural revolution to reinvigorate the youth with revolutionary fervor.

 After being encouraged by now you took over the streets banging gongs and shouting slogans enjoying special priority on public transport. 

They spread revolutionary ideas and destroyed old culture, invading people's houses and destroying people's possessions. 

Eventually Mao had to break up with this group.

Jiang Qing

wife of Mao Zedong and a prominent political figure in China.

She played a key role in the Cultural Revolution, supporting radical changes in Chinese society and culture.

As a member of the Gang of Four, she influenced policies that suppressed traditional cultural practices and promoted revolutionary ideals.

Her actions and political ambitions led to her being a controversial figure, particularly following the end of the Cultural Revolution.

Called the cultural purifier of the nation.