Conflict and Change in China 1911-1989

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Questions and Answers

What was the main goal of the Northern Expedition led by Chiang Kai-Shek?

To strengthen the KMT's influence abroad

To negotiate peace with the Beiyang Government

To expand territory into neighboring countries

To destroy the warlords and reunite China (correct)

What role did the Whampoa Military Academy play in the context of the KMT?

It focused on agricultural training.

It was a school for international studies.

It trained diplomats for foreign relations.

It produced military leaders superior to many warlords. (correct)

What event led to the Communist Party's retreat to Kiangsi Province?

The collapse of the Beiyang Government

The Shanghai Massacre (correct)

The establishment of the Soviet Union

The signing of a peace treaty with the KMT

How many troops did the National Revolutionary Army (NRA) have by October 1926?

250,000 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished Chiang Kai-Shek's rule in comparison to Hitler's in Germany?

He ruled as a dictator. Signup and view all the answers

Why did some warlords form alliances with the KMT?

To maintain their own power and avoid destruction Signup and view all the answers

Which military advisor did Chiang Kai-Shek rely on for support?

General Blyucher Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the warlords' actions on the peasantry?

They suffered from continued resentment and mistreatment. Signup and view all the answers

What key event regarding China's independence occurred in 1960?

Mao asserted independence from the USSR. Signup and view all the answers

Which significant consequences followed the Great Leap Forward (GLF)?

The Cultural Revolution initiated by Mao. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the strategies Mao used in 1965 against his political rivals?

Utilizing propaganda against them. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major effect of the Cultural Revolution as confirmed in April 1969?

Mao’s thought became the guiding ideology in China. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the USSR to withdraw its technical advisors from China in 1960?

Deteriorating Sino-Soviet relations. Signup and view all the answers

During the Cultural Revolution, who was denounced as 'a hidden traitor and scab'?

Liu Shaoqi Signup and view all the answers

Which group did Mao accuse of infiltrating the Communist Party during the Cultural Revolution?

Bourgeois representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant economic argument put forth by CCP leaders from 1962 to 1966?

Debating the future direction of China's economy. Signup and view all the answers

What event sparked massive protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989?

Death of Hu Yaobang Signup and view all the answers

What was the main demand of the students during their hunger strike in May 1989?

Addressing their grievances by the government Signup and view all the answers

Which group provided support to the students by assisting with transportation during the protests?

Transport workers Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that led protesters to believe they would not be crushed during the demonstrations?

The presence of Gorbachev in Beijing Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for the student leaders who were prominent during the protests?

They received heavy sentences Signup and view all the answers

Who attempted to persuade the students to end their hunger strike by promising to resolve their issues?

Zhao Ziyang Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of Premier Li Peng to the students' petition?

He flatly refused it Signup and view all the answers

What happened to CCP officials who supported the protests?

They faced dismissal Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War?

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the CCP's military success in Manchuria?

Favorable terrain for guerrilla warfare Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change regarding women's lives during this period?

New marriage laws were introduced Signup and view all the answers

What was a major outcome of the Chinese Civil War from 1945 to 1949?

The CCP gained significant control over Manchuria Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to Japan's ultimate surrender in World War II?

The dropping of the atomic bombs Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason for the low morale among KMT troops during the Chinese Civil War?

Corruption and distrust within the ranks Signup and view all the answers

What major issue did Mao face regarding Party officials during his leadership?

They became alienated from the masses. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the USSR take on August 8, 1945?

Invaded Manchuria Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Great Leap Forward?

Food production actually slumped. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mao's view on the 'bureaucratism' within the CCP?

He thought it weakened party unity. Signup and view all the answers

Why were KMT forces finding it difficult to maintain control during the early stages of the Chinese Civil War?

Guerrilla tactics employed by the CCP Signup and view all the answers

What ambition did Mao express for China's industrial capacity during the Great Leap Forward?

To overtake Britain in 7 years and the USA soon after. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase captured the sentiment of intellectuals towards the CCP during this period?

No one wants to take on responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

What change did the students at Beijing University initiate in response to their conditions?

They created a 'democracy wall' for criticism of the CCP. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mao pursue mass mobilization during the Great Leap Forward?

To rapidly transform China into an industrial powerhouse. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the aftermath of the First Five-Year Plan?

It led to serious problems of waste and chaos. Signup and view all the answers

What were the cardinal principles upheld by the movement influenced by Wei?

Keeping to the Socialist road Signup and view all the answers

What was a key demand from students during the 1986 disturbances?

Open government and democracy Signup and view all the answers

What was the main consequence faced by Wei Jingsheng for his actions?

He was imprisoned as a cautionary measure Signup and view all the answers

How did Deng Xiaoping generally respond to the demands of the pro-democracy movement?

He tolerated the movement unless personally attacked Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the severe overcrowding in cities as noted in the unrest?

Rural to urban migration Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment was prevalent among students regarding the CCP and job opportunities?

They resented the lack of jobs and nepotism in job allocation Signup and view all the answers

Who was Fang Lizhi and what role did he play in the student protests?

A professor advocating for open government and democracy Signup and view all the answers

What was Deng's primary aim following the events of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution?

To restore the authority and control of the CCP Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

B5: Conflict, Crisis and Change: China 1911-89

This topic focuses on key events and the idea of change in China between 1911 and 1989.
Understanding key events and linking them to explain changes is important for exam question C.
Essential to study key events and changes for revision.

1.) The 1911 Revolution (10th October 1911)

Long-term Causes: Decay of Qing government (weak emperors, corruption), low troop morale, distrust in Manchu rule. Role of Empress Dowager Cixi (opposition to reforms). Political decentralization (weak control of provinces).
Short-term Causes: Rise of Nationalist Movement (Sun Yat-sen's Tongmenghui), coordinated anti-Qing protests, Dr. Sun's organized uprisings (1907-1911). Immediate cause: The Railway Problem (government's attempt to nationalize railways, opposition from gentry, landowners and merchants).
What happened? Uprising in Wuchang (planned for 16th October, moved to 10th October due to discovery of revolutionary plans; city captured by 11th October). Military government of Hubei formed. 15 other provinces declared independence from Qing Dynasty. Yuan Shikai appointed Prime Minister of the Imperial cabinet. Sun Yat-sen returned to China (elected President in December 1911). Republic of China declared on 1st January 1912. Yuan Shikai inaugurated as President on 10th March 1912.
Effects: End of Qing Dynasty (2,000+ year system), new form of government. Failure of Democracy (Sun Yat-Sen's Chinese Nationalist Party won elections but democracy not established, Yuan Shikai ignored constitution, became dictator). Little social/economic reform occurred. Increased foreign aggression (unequal treaties, like the Twenty-One Demands in 1915) meant China remained weak.

2.) May Fourth Movement (May 4th 1919)

Long-Term Cause: New Culture Movement (disillusionment with traditional Chinese culture).
Immediate Cause: Treaty of Versailles: China's desire for Shandong province (betrayal by Allies).
What happened? Explosion of yearning for change (particularly amongst students). Protest in Beijing (3,000 students in Tiananmen Square protested against Japan's claim to Shandong). Establishment of a student union ('May 4th movement') and protests across China.
Effects: Cultural Turning Point (social classes collaborated, traditional values challenged, people more receptive to change). Intellectual Turning Point (opposition to western-style democracy; emergence of new ideologies like Marxism and the CCP formation in 1921).

3.) The Warlord Period (1917-1928)

How did it begin? Yuan Shikai took over but failed to become Emperor. Many provinces declared independence; Southern provinces rebelling.
What happened? Military governments and competing groups (north/south divide). Warlords struggled for power. Economic issues, taxation (warlords/peasants) and corruption.
How was it ended? Sun Yat-sen appealed to the USSR for help. Whampoa Military Academy established in Canton and supported by the USSR (weapons/military training). Formation of the National Revolutionary Army (NRA) that fought and won/united China. The Nationalist government in Nanjing was established.

4.) The Kuomintang (1917-1925)

Early Life (1894-1913): The Kuomintang (KMT) started as the 'Revive China Society'. Founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen (nationalism/democracy).
**Re-establishment (1919-1925):**KMT reformed, HQ established in Guangdong Province (1920). USSR aid (1923), Soviet advisers/weapons. Leninist structure. Unity with the CCP.
Road to Victory (1925-1928): Sun Yat-sen died in 1925; Chiang Kai-shek became leader. The Northern Expedition (1926-28). Aim was to unite China.

5.) The Chinese Communist Party (1921-Present)

Early Life (1921-1927): Originated in May 4th Movement (Marxism/Leninism). Formed by Li Dazhao and Chen Duxiu (1921). Support from the USSR (financial/military).
Civil War and WW2 (1927-1949): Chiang Kai-Shek attacked the CCP (1927 Shanghai Massacre). CCP fled, fought back and formed the Red Army. Second United Front (against Japan).
Ruling Party (1949-Present): CCP declared the People's Republic of China on 1st October 1949 (Mao Zedong). Various leaderships (Mao Zedong, Hua Guofeng, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping).

6.) The Long March (1934-1935)

Causes: Growth of Jiangxi base areas. KMT extermination campaigns.
What happened? CCP forced to flee from KMT forces. 80,000 Communists crossed the Gan River and started the westward march. Facing the army; crossing rivers and mountains; Facing/adapting to war; difficult journeys; splitting into corps but finally arriving in Shanxi in 1935.
Effects: CCP survived/rebuilt for 12 years. Propagandist success (CCP image). Mao's strengthened position (unchallenged leader).

7.) War with Japan (1937-1945)

Causes: Mukden Incident (1931) and invasion of Manchuria. Xi'an Incident (1936) and pressure for fighting Japan first. Marco Polo Bridge incident (1937).
What happened? Japan swept through China (1937-1941). KMT retreated. Second United Front (1936/7).
Effects: KMT weakened (unprepared for war against Japan). CCP strengthened (control over rural areas; peasant support).

8.) The Northern Expedition (1926-1928)

Causes: Killing of Sun Yat-sen in 1925. Eagerness of Chiang Kai-shek to destroy the warlords and unite China.
What happened? NRA fought important warlords (Zhang Zuolin of Manchuria, Wu Peifu in the Central Plain, and Sun Chuanfang). CCP propaganda/bribery aided NRA success.
Effects: Warlord's forces were severely weakened and defeated. Communist forces also benefited by the defeat of KMT enemies, whilst the communists also benefited from popular support during this period. Unified China under KMT leadership in 1928.

9.) The Shanghai Massacre (12th April 1927)

Causes: CCP expansion. Problems with foreign interests/concessions. The split in the KMT (right and left wings).
What happened? The KMT (right wing) violently suppressed the CCP. Killing of communists and CCP sympathizers.
Effects: Split in KMT (disruption to the United Front). CCP forced to flee to Kiangsi Province and armed struggle ensued.

10.) The Chinese Civil War (1945-1949)

Long-term Causes: Chiang’s conduct during the war (unpatriotic). Corruption/lack of trust.
Short-term Causes: Divided country (KMT in south/central China) and CCP in north/northeast China.
Immediate Causes: Failure of mediation (US/USSR).
What happened? KMT initially took the initiative but suffered setbacks (lost ground/cities). PLA's strategy of conventional warfare (mass attacks, captured railways), effective against KMT.
Reasons for CCP victory: Military factors. Political factors (peasant support). Economic factors. Foreign support. Mao's personality.
Effects: CCP declared the People's Republic of China.

11.) Mao's Early Changes (1949-1953)

Political Problems: Proving effective government. Dealing with criminals/bandits. Ex-KMT sympathisers and resistance.
Economic Problems: War damage (devastated economy). Agricultural production, famine.
Changes: One-party state (suppressed other parties). Land reform. Economic measures (nationalised banks, fixed goods’ prices).

12.) The First Five-Year Plan (1953-1957)

Reasons for Change: Creating a socialist country. Agriculture grouping into collective farms.
Changes: Agricultural collectivisation (mutual-aid teams). Industrial development. Consumer goods' production secondary.
Success?: Positive results (e.g., industrial growth). Failures (reduced agricultural production; bureaucratic issues; quantity over quality).

13.) The Hundred Flowers Campaign (1956-1957)

Causes: Mao's desire for criticism/'improving' the CCP.
What happened? Massive calls for criticism and discussion within the central government led to a torrent criticism. Mao had expected feedback but was shocked by intensity and turned his anger on those critics.
Effects: Suppression (exiled/killed).

14.) The Great Leap Forward (1958-1962)

Motives: Rapid industrialization/socialism.
What happened? Creation of communes; vast increase in industrial targets (often impossible).
Failures?: Industrial targets unrealistic; failure of collectivised farming; bad harvests/droughts.
Effects?: Millions died (Great Famine). Economic collapse; loss of support; damage to CCP image.

15.) The Cultural Revolution (1966-1969)

Causes: Power struggle. Political/ideological disagreement. Mao's distrust of professionals/bureaucrats.
What happened? Mao launched Red Guards (students/youth groups) to attack all who opposed him (e.g., traditional culture, education – 'Four Olds"). Political turmoil; chaos/anarchy.
Effects: Damage to economy and society. Millions killed, imprisoned.

16.) The Gang of Four (1969-1978)

What happened? Rise of Jiang Qing and a group of other officials (Gang of Four) who supported Mao's plans.
Effects?: Mao had them imprisoned; this ended the chaos and the era of chaos in China ended as the new government began.

17.) Changes under Deng Xiaoping (1978-1980s)

Reasons for Reform: Economic failures of prior era. Westernization of China.
Reforms: Economic decentralisation. New industrial initiatives. More openness with the West.

18.) The Democracy Movement (1979-1989)

Causes: Limits on freedom of speech under earlier governments.
Rise of the Democracy Movement: Demand for democracy/freedom in China. Student protest campaign.
Effects: Government response (using force). Demonstrating limits to freedom in China.

19.) The Tiananmen Square Massacre (June 1989)

What happened? Student protests in Tiananmen Square. Government response (using force).
Effects?: Further crackdown/repression. Death. More protests in China.

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Description

This quiz explores significant events and transformations in China from the 1911 Revolution to 1989. It highlights the long-term and short-term causes of the 1911 Revolution, emphasizing the role of key figures and movements. Understanding these pivotal moments is crucial for students preparing for their exams.