Theme 1 Mao's authoritarian government

Mandate of Heaven

legitimized the emperor's rule as divinely sanctioned, an emperor's right to rule could be revoked by heaven,justifying rebellion and the establishment of a new ruling dynasty.

Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)

The last imperial dynasty of China, reigning from 1644 until its fall in 1911. The Qing Dynasty faced severe internal corruption, pressure from foreign powers, and a series of revolutionary movements, culminating in its overthrow and the establishment of a republic.

Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864)

A civil war led by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom against the Qing Dynasty was caused by discontent and Christian ideology among the peasantry. It weakened Qing authority.

Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)

• Supported the Qing, but wanted to destroy the foreigners

• they wanted the removal of missionaries and opium (britain people and drugs)

Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908)

A powerful and conservative leader of the Qing Dynasty, who maintained imperial authority and resisted significant reforms during a time of escalating demand for modernization and change.

Hundred Days of Reform (1898)

A brief period of institutional reforms initiated by Qing leaders to modernize China’s political system, economy, and military. The movement was abruptly curtailed by Empress Dowager Cixi, who opposed radical changes.

Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925)

The founding figure of the Republic of China and the leader of the Nationalist Party (Guomindang), Sun Yat-sen advocated for the three principles of nationalism, democracy, and the livelihood of the people

Guomindang (GMD, KMT)

The Nationalist Party of China, was initially founded by Sun Yat-sen, and later led by Chiang Kai-shek. The GMD aimed to establish a democratic government in China and opposed the CCP.

Twenty-One Demands (1915)

A set of demands made by Japan during World War I, aimed at increasing its control over China and effectively turning it into a protectorate.

Yuan Shikai (1859-1916)

A prominent military leader and politician who became China’s first president after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. Yuan's ambitious attempts to establish himself as emperor led to political instability and ultimately laid the groundwork for warlordism in China.

Warlord Period (1916-1928)

A chaotic era following the death of Yuan Shikai, characterized by fragmented power and the dominance of various warlords across China.

May Fourth Movement (1919)

A nationalistic and anti-imperialist protest led by students and intellectuals in response to China's weak position after World War I, criticizing foreign interference and advocating for social and political reform, reflecting a desire for modernization.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP, 1921)

aimed to promote communism in China. It engaged in a protracted struggle against the Nationalist Party (GMD), ultimately leading to its victory and the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Comintern

The Communist International, an organization founded by the Soviet Union to promote worldwide communism. It provided ideological and material support to the Chinese Communist Party during its formative years.

Marxist

An individual who advocates for the overthrow of capitalist systems through class struggle and the establishment of a socialist state.

United Front (1923-1927, 1937-1945)

Strategic alliances between the CCP and the GMD to resist warlord rule in the first instance and to fight against Japanese aggression in the second.

Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975)

A military and political leader of the GMD who succeeded Sun Yat-sen led campaigns against the CCP until retreating to Taiwan after the CCP's victory.

Northern Expedition (1926-1928)

A military campaign led by the GMD to unify China by defeating warlords and consolidating power, which significantly advanced GMD’s control over southern China.

White Terror (1927)

A political purge was conducted by Chiang Kai-shek against the CCP members, marking the end of the United Front and escalating hostilities between the GMD and CCP.

Nanjing Decade (1927-1937)

A period of Nationalist Party rule characterized by efforts at modernization and urban development amidst significant political corruption and ineffective governance.

Red Army

The armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party, later restructured as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), known for its revolutionary campaigns and guerrilla warfare tactics.

Futian Incident (1930)

A significant event within the CCP involving a violent suppression of Red Army troops accused of disloyalty by Mao Zedong, illustrating the internal conflicts within the Party.

Long March (1934-1935)

A strategic retreat undertaken by the Chinese Communist Party led by Mao Zedong, which became a symbol of resilience and solidarity, consolidating Mao's leadership and promoting communist ideology.

Yanan (1935-1948)

The base of operations for the Chinese Communist Party during the Chinese Civil War, where Mao Zedong developed his ideological framework and garnered substantial support from the peasantry.

Mass Line

A political strategy employed by Mao Zedong that involved consulting the masses to understand their needs and ideas, and further involving them in decision-making processes to strengthen support for communist policies.

Six Principles of the Red Army

Guidelines established for members of the Red Army focusing on ethical conduct, respect for civilians, and strict discipline, emphasizing the revolutionary spirit and commitment to the people's welfare.

Rape of Nanjing (1937-1938)

A period of horrific war crimes perpetrated by Japanese soldiers against Chinese civilians in Nanjing during the Second Sino-Japanese War, which ignited strong nationalist and communist sentiments in China.

Taiwan

Where the GMD led by Chiang Kai-shek retreated after the CCP victory in 1949, establishing the Republic of China, which continues to exist today.

Meiji Restoration

This period aimed at Westernizing Japan and establishing it as a competitive power, influencing reform movements in neighboring countries, particularly China.

Confucian Value

A philosophical system rooted in the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing a societal framework based on hierarchy, respect for authority, and filial piety (loyalty to family). These principles profoundly impacted Chinese governance and societal relations, particularly before the rise of Mao Zedong and the Communist Party.