Mao Rise to Power Reading Assignment

Chapter 4: China under Mao Zedong, 1949-76

Mao Zedong emerged as a significant figure when he led the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to power in 1949, asserting control over the People's Republic of China (PRC) until his death in 1976. Throughout this period, Mao employed authoritarian tactics to mold China according to his interpretation of communism, leading to dramatic transformations in the political, economic, and social frameworks of the country. His rule was marred by persistent purges, culminating in the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, exemplifying the breadth of his authority and the transformation of Chinese communism into Maoism. This chapter seeks to explore the conditions that facilitated Mao's ascent, the methods by which he consolidated his authority, the repercussions of his governance on Chinese society, and the extent to which he achieved a totalitarian state.

Mao's Rise to Power, 1911-49

Key Question: What circumstances favoured the rise of Mao Zedong?

Mao was born into a tumultuous environment in 1893, amidst a China that faced instability under the Qing dynasty, which was losing its grip due to foreign intervention and internal discontent. By the late 19th century, China had been compelled into unequal treaties by Western powers, leading to a loss of sovereignty and economic hardship. The loss of the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895 further exacerbated feelings of humiliation. The Qing dynasty's inability to protect China caused widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.

Revolutionary Movements

In response to these crises, various revolutionary factions emerged. Sun Yatsen became a pivotal figure advocating that China modernize by adopting Western systems, which led to the 1911 Revolution and the subsequent establishment of a Republic. However, this new government quickly faltered, succumbing to warlord factions and failing to safeguard China's interests. The chaotic aftermath led to the May Fourth Movement in 1919, when revelations of further humiliation at the hands of Allied Powers incited national protests.

The Rise of Marxism in Mao's Ideology

Amidst such turmoil, Mao was influenced by Marxist principles while in Beijing during the May Fourth Movement. Experiencing violence in his youth, Mao adopted a belief in the necessity of extreme measures to secure power. He joined the CCP in 1921, contributing to the temporary alliance between the CCP and the Nationalists. However, this alliance disintegrated after Chiang Kaishek initiated an extermination campaign against Communists in 1927.

The Long March and Rise to Leadership

Mao managed to survive the Nationalist purge by retreating to Jiangxi Province, where he led guerrilla warfare strategies, culminating in the Long March (1934-35). This critical journey reinforced Mao's stature as a military leader within the party, proving his strategic acumen by choosing the path to Shaanxi over the initially suggested routes. The journey fortified Mao's reputation, leading to his assumption of leadership upon establishing a new base in Yanan, which became emblematic of his vision for communist revolution.

Mao's Policies in Yanan

Establishing CCP Control

In Yanan, Mao implemented his vision for a communist revolution, characterized by a series of radical land reforms intended to empower peasants. The Red Army adopted a principle of assisting and protecting villagers, in stark contrast to past armies that oppressed them. Reforms included land seizures and the creation of local peasant associations designed to integrate peasant voices into CCP policies. The Red Army's approach focused on winning peasant loyalty, reflecting a deep commitment to addressing their grievances through education and medical care.

Authoritarian Regime

Although these initiatives allowed the CCP to gain popular support, Mao's regime was also authoritarian, enforcing compliance through coercion and severe penalties for dissenting villages. Mao ensured that while local committees appeared to provide some autonomy, CCP elected representatives held veto power, ultimately centralizing authority.

Mao's Ideology and Party Control

Ideological Consolidation

Mao's tenure at Yanan solidified his Marxist beliefs, adapting them to the Chinese context—asserting that the peasant class held revolutionary potential, which countered the Comintern's urban proletariat focus. His contention that genuine revolution was not confined to urban workers but rather encompassed the broader peasantry was a radical reinterpretation of Marxist doctrine, positioning him against more orthodox party ideals.

Rectification of Conduct Campaign

Mao's ideological supremacy was further manifested in his launch of the 'Rectification of Conduct' campaign from 1942 to 1944 to root out dissent and consolidate his power. This campaign demanded self-criticism among party members, deterring opposition through public humiliation and imprisonment for those deemed 'revisionist.' The campaign marked a significant step toward establishing a cult of personality around Mao, culminating in his designation as "the great helmsman" by 1945.

Concluding Thoughts on Mao's Legacy

As World War II concluded, Mao had transformed the CCP into a formidable force positioned to capitalize on Nationalist shortcomings during the 1945-49 Civil War. Examining Mao’s imperial overreach reveals a microcosm of China’s larger struggles against external and internal forces and illustrates how his distinctive brand of communism ultimately shaped the nation’s trajectory during a revolutionary era.