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Questions and Answers
What was a significant impact of the Civil War on the Chinese Communist Party?
What was a significant impact of the Civil War on the Chinese Communist Party?
The Nationalists significantly improved the industrial output of China after the war.
The Nationalists significantly improved the industrial output of China after the war.
False
What was the inflation rate in China by 1949?
What was the inflation rate in China by 1949?
1000 percent
By 1945, China's food production was ______ lower than it had been at the start of the war in 1937.
By 1945, China's food production was ______ lower than it had been at the start of the war in 1937.
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Match the following impacts to their descriptions:
Match the following impacts to their descriptions:
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Which province suffered a famine that led to millions of deaths?
Which province suffered a famine that led to millions of deaths?
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Before 1949, the Communists only controlled Harbin in Manchuria.
Before 1949, the Communists only controlled Harbin in Manchuria.
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What did Mao learn from the lessons in Harbin that he applied elsewhere?
What did Mao learn from the lessons in Harbin that he applied elsewhere?
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The scorched earth policy of nationalist forces destroyed much of ______.
The scorched earth policy of nationalist forces destroyed much of ______.
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What was the primary crop produced in China prior to the Civil War?
What was the primary crop produced in China prior to the Civil War?
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Study Notes
Impact of the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949)
- Favorable outcome for Communists: The conclusion of the war boosted communist support. Communists controlled more territory, demonstrating greater power than nationalists. Many non-communists believed life under Mao would be manageable. Mao perceived a strengthened position within the Party, enhanced by his war leadership.
- Goal of Stability and Suppression: Mao aimed at establishing stability and eliminating opposition — a policy reflected in the rectification campaign. The importance of broader support was recognized; the Red Army's instruction to treat civilians well highlights this. Harbin, the only communist-held city before 1949, served as a model for future control.
Chinese Economy in 1949
- Crippled Economy: 12 years of war crippled the Chinese economy. A recovery after the Great Depression was undermined by the war. Industrial output plummeted due to Japanese occupation of productive areas, bombing, and scorched-earth tactics.
- Industrial Decline: China's industrial production declined drastically, reaching 25% of pre-war levels by 1945. Agriculture suffered heavily due to peasant conscription, Japanese pressure, and nationalist scorched-earth tactics. Food production was 30% below 1937 levels. Henan experienced a major famine, causing millions of deaths.
- Financial Crisis: The Nationalist government's wartime spending fueled hyperinflation, reaching 1000% in 1949. The Nationalist government lost foreign reserves when fleeing to Taiwan.
Long-Term Economic Factors
- Agricultural Focus: China remained agrarian, relying on rice, wheat, oilseeds, and labor-intensive farming. Minimal mechanization hindered productivity. Most lived in rural areas, though regional disasters like floods and droughts affected food availability. Nationalist agricultural policies had been slow.
- Limited Land Availability: Only 15% of China's land was suitable for food production, thus limiting agricultural output improvements.
- Population Growth: A growing population (from 541 million in 1949 to 587 million in 1953) increased the need for modernization.
- Industrial Underdevelopment: Industrial development was concentrated in Manchuria, the Yangtze Delta, and the eastern seaboard. Japanese occupation impacted industrial development, particularly in iron and steel industries; the NRC (National Resources Committee with its staff of 30,000 technical staff) struggled with investment & skills gaps.
- Manchurian Loss and Policy Response: Loss of Manchuria motivated the Chiang Kai-shek-led government to create the National Resources Committee (NRC) but progress was hindered.
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Description
Explore the significant effects of the Chinese Civil War on the development of the Chinese Communist Party. This quiz covers topics such as industrial output, famine, and key lessons learned by Mao Zedong. Test your knowledge on this crucial period in China's history.
