Background Civil war between Nationalists and Communists had been going on in China when Japan invaded China in During WWII, Nationalists and Communists temporarily stopped fighting.

During WWII Mao and Communist party concentrated in northwestern China Earned peasants support with efforts to improve literacy and food production Organized peasants to mobilize guerilla warfare against Japan in northeast Nationalists, under Chiang Kai Shek (i.e. Jiang Jieshi), dominate southwestern China rebuilt army of 2.5 million men From 1942 – 45, the US sends Nationalists $1.5+ to fight Japan Nationalists seldom fought Japan; instead, saved money to use in fight against Communists later

Double-Tenth Agreement – Oct Communists recognize Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party) as ruling party; Kuomintang recognize Communists as legitimate opposition party

Communists vs. Nationalists During WWII After Japan surrenders WWII, the nationalists and communists resume fighting. Renewed Civil War lasted from Nationalists outnumbered the Communists 3-1 US gave Nationalists $2 billion more in aid …but Nationalists offered little help to the people

Chinese Civil War China’s economy collapsing Many nationalists flee to Communists Mao’s & Communists Promised more land Mao regains control of country and renames China “People’s Republic of China” Jiang and other leaders retreat to Taiwan

China and Soviet UNION Mao’s victory fueled US anti- Communist feelings. Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship (1950) – Alliance and mutual assistance treaty between China and S.U.

Superpowers Intervene in China China splits into two nations: Nationalist Taiwan and Communist People’s Republic of China US helps Nationalists set up their government in Taiwan. (13,000 sq. miles) Soviets give financial, military and technical aid to Communist China (mainland – 3.5+ million sq. miles)

China Expands Chinese troops expand into Tibet, India, southern Mongolia (northern Mongolia in Soviet sphere) Chinese take control of Tibet in brutal attack ( ) Promise autonomy to Tibetans, who follow Dalai Lama (religious leader) China tightens control over Tibet in late ‘50s Dalai Lama flees to India India welcomed many Tibetan refugees after failed revolt in ’59 Much tension between India and China

Communists Party in China Communist party’s 4.5 million members = 1% population Communist party’s 4.5 million members = 1% population Mao headed the Communist Party and the federal government until 1959 Mao headed the Communist Party and the federal government until 1959

China’s Economy Under Mao Unequal Distribution of Land 80% people lived in rural areas, but most owned no land 10% of rural population controlled 70% of farmland Mao idolized Marx, thus Marxist Socialism, and wanted to change things Agriculture Agrarian Reform Law (1950) – Mao seized holdings of landlords; killed more than 1 million landlords who resisted; divided land among peasants Later government force peasants to join collective farms Each farm was comprised of 200 – 300 households Industry Private industries were nationalized 1953 – five-year plans set high production goals for industry By 1957, China’s output of coal, cement, steel, and electricity had increased dramatically

The Great Leap Forward (1958) Expanded on success of Five-Year Plans GLF called for larger collective farms (communes) By 1958 – 26,000 communes are created Average commune had over 15,000 acres and 25,000 people Strictly controlled life; peasants worked land together; ate in communal dining rooms; slept in communal dorms; children raised in communal nurseries Individuals owned nothing Peasants had no incentive to work because the state took all the profits from their labor Criticisms Giant step backward Poor planning Inefficient industries Growth slowed down GLP ended in 1961 after crop failures caused a famine that killed about 20 million people

Mao’ Influence Declines After failed GLF, Mao took a reduced role in government Other leaders moved away from strict socialism Farm families could live in their own homes Farm families could sell crops they grew on private plots Factory workers could compete for wage increases/promotions

Mao Revives the Revolution Mao thought China’s new economic policies weakened the Communist goal of social equality encouraged young people to “learn revolution by making revolution” Millions left classrooms and formed militia units called Red Guards

Cultural Revolution Cultural Revolution - major uprising led by Red Guards Goal = establish society of peasants and workers where everyone is equal Peasants and workers seen as heroes Intellectual and artistic activity seen as useless and dangerous Red Guards… shut down colleges and schools Target any opposition with execution or imprisonment (thousands!) Make intellectuals purify themselves through hard labor CHAOS!!! (People fear civil war) By 1968, Mao admits CR has to stop Army ordered to put down Red Guards Zhou Enlai, Chinese Communist premier, begins to restore order and economic stability