Mao Zedong v. Joseph Stalin / Korean War & Vietnam War

Maoism

Political ideology adapted from Marxism-Leninism focused on a revolution led by peasants rather than the working class.

Continuous Revolution

Mao's concept emphasizing ongoing social and political change and improvement through continuous struggle.

Great Leap Forward

A campaign launched by Mao to rapidly industrialize China, which ultimately resulted in widespread famine and millions of deaths.

Four Olds

Old customs, culture, habits, and ideas that Mao sought to eliminate during the Cultural Revolution.

Cult of Personality

A situation where a leader uses propaganda to create an image of infallibility and heroism, as seen with Mao in China.

Socialism in One Country

Stalin's doctrine that emphasized building socialism within the Soviet Union rather than promoting global revolution.

Great Terror

A campaign of political repression in the Soviet Union characterized by widespread purges and executions orchestrated by Stalin.

Patronage System

A political system where power is based on giving government positions to loyal supporters, used by Stalin to consolidate power.

Gulags

Forced labor camps in the Soviet Union used to punish and eliminate political dissidents during Stalin's regime.

Vietnam War

Conflict where North Vietnam, supported by the USSR, battled South Vietnam, supported by the U.S., aimed at reunification under communist leadership.

War of Attrition

Military strategy focused on wearing down an enemy through continuous losses in personnel and material resources.

Korean War

Conflict between North Korea and South Korea, involving U.S. and UN forces, characterized by traditional large-scale battles and ideology-driven combat.

Operation Rolling Thunder

A massive bombing campaign conducted by the U.S. in Vietnam aimed at weakening North Vietnamese military capabilities.

Agent Orange

A herbicide used by the U.S. during the Vietnam War to defoliate forest areas, which caused severe health problems.