AP World History - 8.4: Why Communism Spread
Perspective of the U.S.
The United States viewed the spread of Communism negatively, perceiving it as a significant threat to democracy and capitalism. This perspective was driven by the belief that Communism would undermine Western values, provoke conflict, and lead to the loss of individual freedoms.
Comparison: The discomfort towards Communism was likened to "a warm fart in an elevator," indicating not only distaste but also a sense of urgency to address this pervasive issue as it spread to various regions of the world.
Communism in China
End of Dynastic Rule:
The dynastic era in China decisively ended with the 1911 revolution, led by Sun Yat-sen, which established a republican form of governance, signaling a shift from centuries of imperial rule to a new political order. However, the Nationalist Party, which took power, was perceived to be overly reliant on Western powers, fostering internal tensions and dissatisfaction among the local populace that eventually led to civil strife.
Chinese Communist Party (CCP):
Formed in the 1920s under Mao Zedong's leadership, the Chinese Communist Party emerged as a formidable opposition to the Nationalists. The CCP capitalized on the popular discontent against foreign exploitation and socio-economic inequalities, gaining significant support among peasants and workers.
Civil War:
The bitter civil conflict between the CCP and the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) began in 1927 and was momentarily interrupted by the Japanese invasion in 1931. During this tumult, both factions had to ally to resist Japanese aggression, focusing their efforts on defeating a common enemy. However, once World War II culminated, these factions resumed their fierce rivalry, leading to intense warfare and strategic maneuvering.
Victory of Communists:
In 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China after successfully winning the civil war against the Nationalists. This victory marked a pivotal moment in the spread of Communism, showcasing a significant shift in power dynamics within China and presenting a new communist model globally.
Nationalization and Collectivization:
Post-victory, the new communist government initiated policies of nationalization of industries, while land was redistributed from landlords to peasants. This collectivization was markedly different from the violent processes seen in the Soviet Union; in China, it proceeded relatively peacefully due to the trust and support garnered during the preceding Civil War.
The Great Leap Forward:
Mao’s ambitious economic plan, known as the Great Leap Forward, aimed at rapidly industrializing China by shifting focus to rural areas for small-scale industrialization. However, this initiative had catastrophic outcomes, resulting in widespread famine caused by poor harvests and mismanagement. An estimated 20 to 50 million people starved, exacerbated by Mao's rejection of foreign aid despite the dire situation and his insistence on continuing grain exports during the famine.
Spread of Communism Beyond China:
Egypt:
Suez Canal: Critical for European trade and completed in 1869, the Suez Canal became a focal point in the struggle against imperialism. In 1952, under the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser, Egypt witnessed a movement for independence, marked by the nationalization of the Suez Canal. This act triggered a military conflict with Britain, France, and Israel, leading to a significant geopolitical crisis when Khrushchev threatened nuclear retaliation against the invading forces and the United States pressured Britain and France to withdraw.
Vietnam:
In the aftermath of World War II, Japan's defeat allowed Vietnam to declare its independence from French colonial rule. The country was subsequently divided into North Vietnam, embracing communist governance, and South Vietnam, aligned with anti-communist sentiments. The Northern communists implemented land redistribution policies aimed at elevating rural peasants, which played a crucial role in solidifying communist control in the region.
Cuba:
In 1956, Fidel Castro led a successful revolution against the Batista regime, establishing a Communist state in Cuba. Castro aimed to eliminate U.S. economic dominance over the island by implementing land redistribution, raising wages, and nationalizing industries previously owned by U.S. corporations. The U.S. government's response included a failed CIA-backed coup attempt, which inadvertently entrenched Castro’s communist beliefs and strengthened his ties with the Soviet Union, setting the stage for future Cold War confrontations.
Summary of Themes:
Overall, the spread of Communism during the Cold War was characterized by land reforms and resource redistribution in various regions. The historical contexts of each country influenced the outcomes significantly, revealing the complex political dynamics and the varying societal conditions that shaped the acceptance or resistance to communist ideologies in different nations.