Chinese Economy and Politics under Deng Xiaoping IB History: Communism in Crisis

About the Unit... In the unit we will compare how the two largest communist countries in the history of the world, the Soviet Union and China, dealt with problems that challenged both communism and thus their existence. Topics Introduction Soviet Economy and Politics Soviet Economy and Politics under Gorbachev Gorbachev, Cold War, and Eastern Europe China and Struggle for power after 1976 Chinese Economy and Politics under Deng Xiaoping Communism from Crisis to Collapse

Economy... Following Mao’s death power shifted quickly from Hua Guofeng to Deng Xiaoping, and Deng implemented economic reform that was largely positive for China’s economy. Despite Hua Guofeng taking control of China after Mao Zedong’s death, Deng Xiaoping quickly reestablished himself within the communist party and Hua’s economic policies were influenced by him. In 1978 Hua announced a “Ten-Year Plan” to advanced agriculture and industry, but this was largely based on Deng’s older “Four Modernization” plan introduced in the 1960’s. By 1979 the Hua’s “Ten-Year Plan” was dropped because of a lack of growth, and the “Open Door Policy” was introduced allowing China to trade with capitalist countries. In 1980 Hua resigned and his closest allies in the Communist party were replaced by those close to Deng, and Deng began implementing his economic policies including “Special Economic Zones,” which allowed companies from capitalist nations to operate in China. From most of Deng’s economic policies were improved and implemented leading to major increases in production and trade; however, this did lead to an increase in national debt and poverty in rural and urban areas.

Politics... As he gained control of China it appeared that Deng Xiaping favored a more liberal approach to politics than Mao Zedong; however, he reverted to a much more authoritarian approach to politics when the public criticized the Communist party and Chinese government. Following Mao Zedong’s death and Deng Xiaoping’s rise to power it appeared Deng favored a more liberal or democratic approach to politics, even allowing a “Democracy Wall” in Beijing where people would post political essays. When the “Democracy Wall” began to feature writing that criticized Deng and the Chinese government, Deng’s attitude towards politics began to change and the wall was immediately closed. Deng also appeared to be liberalizing Chinese politics by removing older Communist party officials, but then made it clear that the Chinese Communist Party’s control over the Chinese government would not change. As Deng’s liberal economic policies were implemented they continued to encourage and inspire intellectual leaders and students to demand more liberal politics or a more democratic government, and eventually the poor rural peasants also demanded change. From protests began to spread throughout China, culminating with a huge protest in Tianamen square after the death of Communist party leader Hu Yaobang who had favored an increase in democracy. Deng used the military and the protest was violently suppressed, including the arrest and execution of many protest organizers.

Video zeNAHEhU zeNAHEhU nHMpHGRY nHMpHGRY

Summary Following Mao’s death power shifted quickly from Hua Guofeng to Deng Xiaoping, and Deng implemented economic reform that was largely positive for China’s economy. As he gained control of China it appeared that Deng Xiaping favored a more liberal approach to politics than Mao Zedong; however, he reverted to a much more authoritarian approach to politics when the public criticized the Communist party and Chinese government.