“Do Now”

Why do you think teenagers conform to certain ideas or behaviors?

Revolution in China

Communism

• October 1st, 1949 Mao Zedong declared China a communist state. – The U.S, who helped fight on China’s behalf

in WWII, was devastated.

• Russia and China would sign treaties aligning their countries.

The face of Communism

• Mao Tse-tung (Mao Zedong)Title: Chairman Mao – chairman of the Communist party and leader of China until1976.

Mr. Nice Guy?

Mao Zedong毛泽东

Economic Changes under Mao

• First Five-Year Plan (1953-1957)– Focused on Industry and Agriculture– Land was taken from private owners and redistributed to peasants.– This saw some progress

Second Five-Year Plan (1958-1962)

“The Great Leap Forward”

• Mao’s attempt to bridge the economic gap

between China and the West.

• Peasants were organized into communes.

• 5,000 families per commune (approx.)

• Individuals forfeited their own property and tools

• The commune provided all basic needs

Great leap backwards?

• Over 30 million people starved to death.

• Mao was removed as “Head of State” – (still party chairman)

• Private land was reinstated

• Peasants could make a surplus food

Foreign Relations

• Russia (Soviet Union)– Growing split between USSR and China

• “Peaceful coexistence” policy of USSR viewed as surrender

– 1960 – end of Soviet economic aid

• Tibet– Seized in 1962

• Korea– Aided North Korea in the Korean War (1950-1953)

• Vietnam– Supported North Vietnam and aided Viet Cong during

Vietnam War (1959-1975)

Foreign Relations

• Cold War– Economic aid to Africa, Asia, and Latin

America

• United Nations– One of five permanent members of U.N.

Security Council (1971, replacing Taiwan)

• Relations with United States– 1972 – U.S. President Richard Nixon opened

diplomatic relations with China

Mao’s Little Red Book“The Chinese Communist Party is the core of the Chinese revolution, and its principles are based on Marxism-Leninism. Party criticism should be carried out within the Party.”

Cultural Revolution (1966-1969)

• Effort to revive interest in Mao’s ideas (and for Mao to regain power) after the failed Great Leap Forward

• Call for youths to engage in post-revolutionary class warfare

• Mao claimed that reactionary bourgeoisie elements were taking over the party

• Red Guards (consisting of young people) marched throughout China attacked and harassed members of China’s elderly and intellectual population.

Mao died in September, 1976

The end of the Chairman…

Review Questions

1. Who led the Communist Revolution?

2. Describe the Great Leap Forward.

3. Describe the Cultural Revolution.