What were Mao's motives for subjecting his people to the Cultural Revolution?
- Reassert his authority over China and the CCP,waging a war against the old and replacing it would the new would help the communist ideology in CCP.
What concerns did Mao have about the younger members of the CCP?
- That they were not strong enough because they had not suffered anything to tremendous in their lives, as Mao's generation had.
How did Mao intend to preserve the peasant character of the revolution?
- By leading the revolution around them, because he favored the peasant class and sought revenge for the other classes that he despised.
Why were Deng and Lui attacked?
- Because Mao saw them as revisionists and losing the Maoist ideologies. So once Mao denounce them, they were constantly and brutally attacked by the CCP.
Why did China's young people prove so willing to follow Mao's lead?
- Mao was able to use psychology in the education to essentially teach the younger people that they held a special role in making the society better and a new world order of socialists would emerge from this.
What methods did the Red Guards use to terrify the population?
- They were trained to insult and abuse their parents and teachers. A lost of respect and were obedient to their new master...MAO. They destroyed Chinese history; irreplaceable artifacts and arts.
What tactics were used to break the will of those arrested?
People were manhandled and humiliated in front of everyone. Red Guards also sent people like doctors and teachers to "struggle sessions".
What statistics illustrate the scale of destruction of China's ancient culture?
4922 of Beijings' 6843 "place of cultural or historical interest"
What role did the PLA play in the cultural revolution?
They encouraged the PLA into having students and workers fighting and revolting. They were also used to keep the people that participated in the revolution in control.
How were the energies of troublesome Red Guards diverted in another direction?
Mao urged them to move into the mountains with peasants and learn the traditions of peasants etc.
How did the experience of the younger people in the countryside affect their altitude towards Mao and the cultural revolution?
They began to doubt Mao and why they were fighting in the revolution.
How was ferocity of the Cultural Revolution maintained after the dispersal of the red Guards?
It was worse because the CCRG and the PLA took over and cleansing began.
How much of the blame attaches to Mao for the horrors of the Cultural Revolution?
It was Mao's idea however the plans and motivates were carried out by Jiang Quing because Mao decided to go underground again.
In what scene was the Lin Biao affair a turning point in the Cultural Revolution?
He gained more support and a bigger influence of the government which caused a threat for Mao which showed that Mao could loose control.
What form did the plot take?
The plot failed because the sister of Lin Biao leaked details about the assassination attempt on Mao which caused Mao to be be guarded and put safety away.
What consequences followed from Lin Biao's disgrace?
After his "disgrace" the people worried about who they could trust and had doubt to all government officials and what they could say.
Why did the intensity of the Cultural Revolution lessen 1972?
- A general uncertainty in the party about the ailings Mao's true intentions
- the effect of the Lin Biao affair which led to a rethink in the CCP about how severe its policies should be.
- An unacknowledged recognition by the party that the points made by critics such as Tu Deyong were an accurate description of the harmful effects of the Cultural Revolution.
- The wish to impress the USA, whose president, Richard Nixon, made an official visit to the PRC in 1972.
How did Lin Biao's fall benefit Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping?
Enlai proved that he could hold the party together through the hardest part of the Cultural Revolution. Also he was a outstanding international statesman in the 1970s. Xiaoping "capitalist roader" helped him, and helped him fight the opposition.
What does the Cultural Revolution indicate about Mao's character and personality?
He couldn't carry it on his own, and caused him a lot of paranoia. Mao had the ideas but couldn't carry out them out on his own without the help of other people and he was forced to drive them with his enthusiasm.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
IRL: China's Cultural Revolution
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1203355.stm
Time Line of Cuban History (Look at 1950s-1980s)
BBC
It connects to what we are studying in class because when Castro took over Cuba he sought to reform Cuba into a SPS. To which many older generations fled to American. Castro essentially wanted to erase the "old" just as Mao did, the old being the Batista era.
It enhances what we've learned so far because now we see another example of the a cultural revolution. Basically since newer generations had not known Batista they had only known Castro and a bias history of their country, making Castro look like a hero just like Mao. However older generations knew this not to be true and didn't like the reforms just like in Mao's China, so the easiest thing to do when the reforming process comes in is to manipulate the young and get rid of the old. This is why so many older people fled from Cuba to the US.
The source itself is highly useful, however since its only a brief history of Cuba, it can have faults. For example, since the source doesn't elaborate on things such as the release of convicts the source doesn't tell you why they were released. It's a good starting place source, but more detailed sources are needed in order to get elaborate understanding of Cuba. Also another limitation is with this IRL, the source doesn't especially say "cultural revolution" background knowledge and possible knowledge of another country can help find examples of cultural revolutions.
Time Line of Cuban History (Look at 1950s-1980s)
BBC
It connects to what we are studying in class because when Castro took over Cuba he sought to reform Cuba into a SPS. To which many older generations fled to American. Castro essentially wanted to erase the "old" just as Mao did, the old being the Batista era.
It enhances what we've learned so far because now we see another example of the a cultural revolution. Basically since newer generations had not known Batista they had only known Castro and a bias history of their country, making Castro look like a hero just like Mao. However older generations knew this not to be true and didn't like the reforms just like in Mao's China, so the easiest thing to do when the reforming process comes in is to manipulate the young and get rid of the old. This is why so many older people fled from Cuba to the US.
The source itself is highly useful, however since its only a brief history of Cuba, it can have faults. For example, since the source doesn't elaborate on things such as the release of convicts the source doesn't tell you why they were released. It's a good starting place source, but more detailed sources are needed in order to get elaborate understanding of Cuba. Also another limitation is with this IRL, the source doesn't especially say "cultural revolution" background knowledge and possible knowledge of another country can help find examples of cultural revolutions.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tibet: Genocide
I feel the genocide was intentional by the PRC to the extent that it had more to do with just Mao taking control, but more both countries ethic routes. Historically, Tibetan dynasties often conflicted with Chinese dynasties. Culturally, Chinese people tend not to know the myths, religious symbols, or history of Tibet, nor do Tibetans tend to know those of the Chinese. "In 1949 the People's Republic of China began invading, occupying, and colonizing Tibet. China entered into Tibet immediately after the communist victory over the Chinese Nationalists, imposed a treaty of "liberation" on the Tibetans, militarily occupied Tibet's territory, and divided that territory into twelve administrative units. It forcibly repressed Tibetan resistance between 1956 and 1959 and annexed Tibet in 1965." The source used [http://www.enotes.com/genocide-encyclopedia/tibet] is limited with its views, because it is bias and puts the Chinese in a bad light only naming conflicts that the Chinese did to the Tibetan people and not if the Tibet did anything to them, besides the dynasty wars early on.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
IRL: China
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/7326257.stm
News Story; BBC, Paul Mason
It shows the success of China today, 50 years after the Great Leap forwarded. "China's real leap forward is happening right now, as people's living standards rise, as the country bursts out into the global marketplace."
It adds value because I feel as if I've only learned China 1930s-1960s now I can broaden what we are learning and connect it. Perhaps to see if the communist rule had a tremendous effect on China 50 years later through Mao's policies.
Only shows the negative effects of the Great Leap forwarded, and then the present state of China, now parrells are clearly drawn between the two eras.
News Story; BBC, Paul Mason
It shows the success of China today, 50 years after the Great Leap forwarded. "China's real leap forward is happening right now, as people's living standards rise, as the country bursts out into the global marketplace."
It adds value because I feel as if I've only learned China 1930s-1960s now I can broaden what we are learning and connect it. Perhaps to see if the communist rule had a tremendous effect on China 50 years later through Mao's policies.
Only shows the negative effects of the Great Leap forwarded, and then the present state of China, now parrells are clearly drawn between the two eras.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Brezhnev/Afghanistan Brezhnev/Poland
Brezhnev/Afghanistan
1. What 2 justifications did the Soviets publicly offer for their Afghan actions?
1) that Babrak had requested their military presence in Afghanistan in order to preserve his country for socialism, which allegedly was threatened by the United
States and China; and (2) that the threat to Afghanistan was also a threat
to the USSR. The Soviets emphasized that they would withdraw their military forces as soon as all external interference in Afghanistan's affairs.ceased.
2.What other factors may have motivated the USSR?
They provided substantial financial and economic investment in the country so when the leader was overthrown in a military coupe, by a pro-soviet by Nur Mohammad Taraki. On December 5, 1978, the USSR signed a twenty-year treaty of friendship and cooperation with the Taraki government, and in September, 1979. Also when Taraki was murdered by Amin the USSR had to kill him because Amin wanted to form relations with China and other non communist government.
3. What was the international reaction to Soviet policies in Afghanistan?
All countries of the non-Soviet world condemned Soviet behavior and activity in Afghanistan but they could not however solve the problem due to Soviet intransigence.
Brezhnev/Poland
1. What were the six areas of conflict between Poles/Soviets?
-It was a cultural confrontation between Roman Catholics and Russian Orthodox and Atheists.
-It was a massive withdrawal by Polish workers from the Soviet-imposed labor unions hence an "ideological deviation."
-It was a protest against and an expose of corruption of top Polish officials loyal to the USSR.
-It was a resistance to Soviet control and exploitation for Soviet ends of Polish economy, politics and destiny.
- It was a serious problem to the security of the USSR and to its interests throughout Eastem and Central Europe.
- Because it had many deep and diverse roots, the crisis there was potentially more
dangerous to Soviet interests.
2. What were the six events which precipitated the '80-'81 Polish crisis?
1) the growing nationwide disillusionment with the government's policies;
2) the government's failure to introduce genuine and desperately-needed economic reforms that would improve the low and precarious living standard;
3)the growing tension between political and religious leaders, which culminated in the government's refusal to allow Pope Paul VI to visit Poland in 1966 to help
commemorate the millennium of Polish Catholicism;
4) the arrest and trial of several young party intellectuals who were critical of the official establishment and its policies;
5) the government's stoppage (at the end of January, 1968) of a theater production of a poetic drama, Dziady (Forefathers), by Adam Mickiewicz, a 19th century Polish romanticist, because of its anti-Russian line;
6) the nationwide student unrest in March, 1968, which authorities put down with excessive force.
3. Which of the six areas for conflict (from #1) seem to be the most significant hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations?
It was a protest against and an expose of corruption of top Polish officials loyal to the USSR. Seems to be the most significant because if the Polish people are protesting against their own government, it seems the chances of a revolution would occur against the government, which would lead to a attempted coupe and cause the Soviet government to step in to protect her interests causing a a uprising of the Polish to fend off the USSR army.
4. Which of the six areas of conflict (from #1) seem to be the least significant hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations?
It was a massive withdrawal by Polish workers from the Soviet-imposed labor unions hence an "ideological deviation." This one seems to be the least significant to the hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations because the Soviets could just replace the Polish workers with Soviet workers and not have to worry about labor unions who are already under the impression of the soviet government.
1. What 2 justifications did the Soviets publicly offer for their Afghan actions?
1) that Babrak had requested their military presence in Afghanistan in order to preserve his country for socialism, which allegedly was threatened by the United
States and China; and (2) that the threat to Afghanistan was also a threat
to the USSR. The Soviets emphasized that they would withdraw their military forces as soon as all external interference in Afghanistan's affairs.ceased.
2.What other factors may have motivated the USSR?
They provided substantial financial and economic investment in the country so when the leader was overthrown in a military coupe, by a pro-soviet by Nur Mohammad Taraki. On December 5, 1978, the USSR signed a twenty-year treaty of friendship and cooperation with the Taraki government, and in September, 1979. Also when Taraki was murdered by Amin the USSR had to kill him because Amin wanted to form relations with China and other non communist government.
3. What was the international reaction to Soviet policies in Afghanistan?
All countries of the non-Soviet world condemned Soviet behavior and activity in Afghanistan but they could not however solve the problem due to Soviet intransigence.
Brezhnev/Poland
1. What were the six areas of conflict between Poles/Soviets?
-It was a cultural confrontation between Roman Catholics and Russian Orthodox and Atheists.
-It was a massive withdrawal by Polish workers from the Soviet-imposed labor unions hence an "ideological deviation."
-It was a protest against and an expose of corruption of top Polish officials loyal to the USSR.
-It was a resistance to Soviet control and exploitation for Soviet ends of Polish economy, politics and destiny.
- It was a serious problem to the security of the USSR and to its interests throughout Eastem and Central Europe.
- Because it had many deep and diverse roots, the crisis there was potentially more
dangerous to Soviet interests.
2. What were the six events which precipitated the '80-'81 Polish crisis?
1) the growing nationwide disillusionment with the government's policies;
2) the government's failure to introduce genuine and desperately-needed economic reforms that would improve the low and precarious living standard;
3)the growing tension between political and religious leaders, which culminated in the government's refusal to allow Pope Paul VI to visit Poland in 1966 to help
commemorate the millennium of Polish Catholicism;
4) the arrest and trial of several young party intellectuals who were critical of the official establishment and its policies;
5) the government's stoppage (at the end of January, 1968) of a theater production of a poetic drama, Dziady (Forefathers), by Adam Mickiewicz, a 19th century Polish romanticist, because of its anti-Russian line;
6) the nationwide student unrest in March, 1968, which authorities put down with excessive force.
3. Which of the six areas for conflict (from #1) seem to be the most significant hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations?
It was a protest against and an expose of corruption of top Polish officials loyal to the USSR. Seems to be the most significant because if the Polish people are protesting against their own government, it seems the chances of a revolution would occur against the government, which would lead to a attempted coupe and cause the Soviet government to step in to protect her interests causing a a uprising of the Polish to fend off the USSR army.
4. Which of the six areas of conflict (from #1) seem to be the least significant hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations?
It was a massive withdrawal by Polish workers from the Soviet-imposed labor unions hence an "ideological deviation." This one seems to be the least significant to the hindrance to Polish-Soviet relations because the Soviets could just replace the Polish workers with Soviet workers and not have to worry about labor unions who are already under the impression of the soviet government.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Brezhnev Foreign Policies
1. In what ways was Czechoslovakia 68' similar to Hungary 56'?
- Soviet policies that were carried out by incompetent but arrogant native leaders.
- Both sought to introduce a progressive and humane element into the Communist way of life.
- Both were brutally suppressed by Soviet military might while the rest of the civilized world watched helplessly.
- both were forced to accept Soviet-appointed satraps-Janos Kadar in Hungary,
and Gustav Husak in Czechoslovakia.
2. What 3 demands did Czech. make of Dubcek?
-Abolishment of "the centralist model of society,".
-The elimination of "administrative and undemocratic interference in all
spheres of social and cultural life."
-And the removal of Novotny as president of the republic.
3.How did the Soviets respond to Czech judicial reform?
They accepted the Czech's judicial reform and electoral laws and also to examine the grievances of victims for past persecutions. But they were also alarmed by this so that they placed troops on the border of Czechoslovakia.
4.Why did the alleged defenestration of Jan Masaryk again become a issue.
Because this caused the resignation and/ or dismissal of many die-hard Czechoslovak Stalinists, created a demand for a thorough unbiased investigation of all past misdeeds by Czechoslovak and Soviet authorities in Czechoslovakia.
5.In August 1968, Warsaw Pact members signed a "broad statement of principles;" what were the Czech and Soviet perspectives on the content and purpose?
The Czech's saw this as adherence to and full compliance with all Soviet demands. The Soviets considered it a carte blanche for intervention in Czechoslovakia in order to
preserve the Soviet style of socialism.
6.How did the Czchs respond to Soviet Invasion? Why?
This dumbfounded the Czechoslovaks, who had for years entertained strong Pan-Slav sentiments and to some extent pro-Soviet views. So complete indeed was their shock and bewilderment that the Soviets were unable to find anyone willing to collaborate with them.
7.What were 2 of Dubcek's new (post invasion) policies?
Under Soviet pressure Dubcek now intensified censorship of the press and agreed to appoint pro-Soviet sympathizers to high posts in the party and government.
8.What was the ultimate outcome of the invasion for Czech?
Husak transformed Czechoslovakia into the most reactionary and the most oppressive state of Eastern Europe.
- Soviet policies that were carried out by incompetent but arrogant native leaders.
- Both sought to introduce a progressive and humane element into the Communist way of life.
- Both were brutally suppressed by Soviet military might while the rest of the civilized world watched helplessly.
- both were forced to accept Soviet-appointed satraps-Janos Kadar in Hungary,
and Gustav Husak in Czechoslovakia.
2. What 3 demands did Czech. make of Dubcek?
-Abolishment of "the centralist model of society,".
-The elimination of "administrative and undemocratic interference in all
spheres of social and cultural life."
-And the removal of Novotny as president of the republic.
3.How did the Soviets respond to Czech judicial reform?
They accepted the Czech's judicial reform and electoral laws and also to examine the grievances of victims for past persecutions. But they were also alarmed by this so that they placed troops on the border of Czechoslovakia.
4.Why did the alleged defenestration of Jan Masaryk again become a issue.
Because this caused the resignation and/ or dismissal of many die-hard Czechoslovak Stalinists, created a demand for a thorough unbiased investigation of all past misdeeds by Czechoslovak and Soviet authorities in Czechoslovakia.
5.In August 1968, Warsaw Pact members signed a "broad statement of principles;" what were the Czech and Soviet perspectives on the content and purpose?
The Czech's saw this as adherence to and full compliance with all Soviet demands. The Soviets considered it a carte blanche for intervention in Czechoslovakia in order to
preserve the Soviet style of socialism.
6.How did the Czchs respond to Soviet Invasion? Why?
This dumbfounded the Czechoslovaks, who had for years entertained strong Pan-Slav sentiments and to some extent pro-Soviet views. So complete indeed was their shock and bewilderment that the Soviets were unable to find anyone willing to collaborate with them.
7.What were 2 of Dubcek's new (post invasion) policies?
Under Soviet pressure Dubcek now intensified censorship of the press and agreed to appoint pro-Soviet sympathizers to high posts in the party and government.
8.What was the ultimate outcome of the invasion for Czech?
Husak transformed Czechoslovakia into the most reactionary and the most oppressive state of Eastern Europe.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What problems faced Khrushchev in his efforts to reform the Soviet economy?
Key Question:
What problems faced Khrushchev in his efforts to reform the Soviet economy?
-Agriculture
Due to Stalin’s collectivization the grain amount and technology for farming were extremely low. When the plan to use the Virgin lands was put into place, it seemed to work except for the fact that the land and climate were not right for what the CCCP wanted to grow, the workers were inexperience with growing such crows thus finding it easier to grow easier to grow and manage crops such as maize. Also due to locations of storing crops and being misinformed Khrushchev could not get grain production up in virgin lands, then in the 60s it became worse when poor weather yielded poor soil for gowning crops. To avoid a famine grain had to be bought from the West which ruined Soviet plans to increase grain in order to beat the US grain rates.
-Industry
Upset the bureaucrats in the party who had been placed there by Stalin since Khrushchev’s industrial reforms would ruin the privileges they had. SYP succeeded in increasing consumer goods however it diminished the fact the Soviet still failed on grain and meat production and also the inability to deal with shortages.
What problems faced Khrushchev in his efforts to reform the Soviet economy?
-Agriculture
Due to Stalin’s collectivization the grain amount and technology for farming were extremely low. When the plan to use the Virgin lands was put into place, it seemed to work except for the fact that the land and climate were not right for what the CCCP wanted to grow, the workers were inexperience with growing such crows thus finding it easier to grow easier to grow and manage crops such as maize. Also due to locations of storing crops and being misinformed Khrushchev could not get grain production up in virgin lands, then in the 60s it became worse when poor weather yielded poor soil for gowning crops. To avoid a famine grain had to be bought from the West which ruined Soviet plans to increase grain in order to beat the US grain rates.
-Industry
Upset the bureaucrats in the party who had been placed there by Stalin since Khrushchev’s industrial reforms would ruin the privileges they had. SYP succeeded in increasing consumer goods however it diminished the fact the Soviet still failed on grain and meat production and also the inability to deal with shortages.
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