Communists, Nationalists, and China's Revolutions: Crash Course World History #37

Introduction

• Host: John Green, from Crash Course World History.

• Topic: Overview of China's 20th-century revolutions.

• Personal note: Mention of cupcakes and nostalgia for the series.

China's Revolutionary Period

• The 20th Century Significance

  • Two major revolutions: 1911 Revolution and 1949 Communist Revolution.

  • 1911 Revolution transformative; underappreciated compared to the 1949 revolution.

  • Communism's role heightened during the Cold War, influenced by Mao Zedong's promotion of his ideology.

Historical Context

• Opium Wars and Qing Dynasty

  • Loss of Opium Wars led to European domination and spheres of influence.

  • Resulted in embarrassment for the Qing dynasty, leading to reform calls.

  • Efforts for reform included the self-strengthening movement, which ultimately failed.

• The Boxer Rebellion

  • 1900 anti-Western uprising that deteriorated the Qing's control and prompted revolutionaries like Sun Yat Sen to act.

Sun Yat Sen and the 1911 Revolution

• Open Letter to Sun Yat Sen

  • Acknowledgment of his contributions and legacy as a pivotal figure in Chinese history.

  • His ideology included Nationalism, Democracy, and People’s Livelihood.

• Events of the 1911 Revolution

  • Triggered by an accidental bomb explosion; revolutionaries used it as a catalyst.

  • The army sided with the rebels, leading to Qing Emperor's abdication.

  • Formation of a provisional republic with Sun Yat Sen as president on January 1, 1912.

  • Creation of a new government structure, which included a Senate and Lower House.

• Challenges Faced

  • The Guomindang, led by Sun Yat Sen, became the largest party but faced challenges from Yuan Shikai, who outlawed them and ruled dictatorially after Sun's deferral.

  • After Yuan's death in 1916, the government collapsed, leaving local landlords in power and leading to significant chaos.

The Chinese Republic Era (1912-1949)

• Dominating Forces

  • Guomindang (Nationalist Party) led the reform efforts.

  • Chinese Communist Party (CCP) emerged, creation of a fragile alliance with the Guomindang in the 1920s.

• Breakdown Post-Sun Yat Sen

  • The alliance disintegrated after Sun Yat Sen's death in 1925, leading to civil strife.

  • Chiang Kai-Shek's anti-Communist stance initiated a civil war.

Civil War and Japanese Invasion

• Mao Zedong's Rise

  • The Communists faced near defeat during the Long March but ultimately gained significant support.

  • Nationalists, led by Chiang Kai-Shek, struggled against Japanese invasion while failing to effectively manage domestic issues.

• Outcomes of the Civil War

  • The CCP's military successes in defeating Nationalist forces led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

Mao's Leadership and Policies

• Creation of a Socialist State

  • Mao introduced measures to cultivate a 'people's democratic dictatorship.'

  • Promised reforms such as land redistribution and support for women, though the reality was often contrary.

• Early Campaigns and Mass Campaigns

  • Initiated campaigns against counterrevolutionaries and corruption.

  • Thousands executed under allegations of disloyalty; extensive government crackdowns occurred.

Industrialization and the Great Leap Forward

• Five Year Plans

  • Inspired by the Soviet model, aimed at rapid industrial growth; initial success observed.

• Failure of the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962)

  • Included misguided initiatives like backyard steel production.

  • Resulted in catastrophic famine and the death of an estimated 20 million, reflecting the devastating consequences of mismanagement.

Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)

• Goals and Impact

  • Mao sought to invigorate the revolution, empowering youth against traditional norms.

  • Initiated widespread persecution of intellectuals and destruction of cultural artifacts under the Red Guards.

Legacy of the Revolutions

• Historical Reflection

  • The revolutions transformed China from a dynastic society to a republic.

  • Established a new historical trajectory, although its legacy is mixed, particularly regarding Mao's impact on socialism in China.

  • Despite advances, significant restrictions on individual freedoms persisted under the PRC.

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts

  • The changes ushered in by the revolutions were not as aligned with democratic ideals as promised.

  • Mao’s legacy remains complex, as China has evolved in ways that do not fit traditional socialist models.

  • End statement on the impossibility of accessing such content within China, highlighting censorship issues.