Japanese Invasion of China 1937-1945

A set of policies implemented in China after Mao's death, focused on modernizing agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology.

A radical faction within the Chinese Communist Party that opposed Deng Xiaoping's reforms and wanted to maintain Mao's revolutionary policies.

Small businesses and factories that emerged in rural China during Deng Xiaoping's reforms, contributing to economic growth and employment.

Reforms that replaced collective farms with a system where farmers could rent land, sell crops, and participate in free markets, leading to a significant increase in food production.

A power struggle emerged within the Communist Party after Mao's death between the radical Gang of Four and the more moderate faction led by Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping, who sought to end the chaos and improve living conditions.

A meeting proposed by the US to bring the KMT and CCP together to discuss the formation of a National Assembly as China's post-war government, emphasizing principles of democracy and unity.

Representatives from the KMT and CCP assigned to major cities to oversee the transition under US supervision. However, Chiang expelled all CCP members from these teams.

A US-led effort to negotiate a unified government for China, aiming to prevent civil war. Led by General George C. Marshall, it ultimately failed.

Mao Zedong, despite abandoning Yenan, prioritized land reform, employed standard battle tactics, and strategically avoided major battles, ultimately allowing him to gain control of Manchuria while the Russians delayed their withdrawal.

Chiang Kai-shek's key mistake was concentrating too many troops in Manchuria, leaving North and Central China vulnerable. This resulted in an inability to control the countryside effectively and maintain communication between KMT units and towns.

Lin Biao launched a three-pronged attack in Manchuria, resulting in the capture of railroads, the surrender of over a million GMD soldiers, and the effective control of Manchuria by the PLA by 1948. This included the capture of the best remaining KMT force, the New First Army, after six months of fighting.

The PLA surrounded the cities of Tanjin and Beuhuna, leading to the storming of Tanjin and the surrender of Beijing, effectively collapsing the KMT in North China.

Chiang Kai-shek's control-freak approach, demanding approval for every decision, slowed down the KMT's response, further contributing to their downfall.

A system implemented in China in 1978 where families were given responsibility for cultivating specific areas of land. They signed contracts to produce a set amount of food for the state and were allowed to sell any surplus at markets for profit.

The Responsibility System led to increased efficiency in agriculture, requiring fewer workers. This resulted in a surplus of labor, contributing to the rise of the 'Temporary Economic Workers' (TEVs).

Deng Xiaoping implemented economic reforms in China, including allowing private businesses, relaxing control over Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and encouraging foreign investment.

Deng's economic reforms led to increased incomes, access to more consumer goods, and a surge in industrial production. Factories were encouraged to be profitable and produce goods based on demand.

Deng Xiaoping prioritized modernization in multiple areas. He invested in education, built a space program, modernized the military, and welcomed foreign technological advancements.

Deng Xiaoping reversed some of the reforms of the Cultural Revolution, restoring university entrance exams and establishing special schools for gifted students to nurture talent in various fields.

Deng Xiaoping was a complex figure: he was both an economic reformer and a staunch Communist. He implemented economic reforms while upholding key Communist principles.

Deng Xiaoping aimed to end the political upheaval and mass campaigns of the Cultural Revolution era. He believed that China had learned from the past and needed to move forward with progress and stability.

Rule of Law emphasizes impartial application of laws to everyone, while Rule by Law implies laws can be used selectively, often by the government.

A powerful body within the Chinese Communist Party responsible for enforcing party regulations, investigating corruption, and ensuring party members adhere to the Party line.

A vision for China's future, aiming for national rejuvenation, economic prosperity, and global influence.

The justification for a government's rule based on its ability to deliver economic growth and improved living standards.

China's household registration system that restricts movement and access to social services based on where someone is registered.

A sense of grievance and resentment among a population due to perceived injustices or historical wrongs.

The relentless pursuit of economic growth as a primary goal of a government, potentially leading to social and environmental costs.

Tensions and conflicts arising from the gap between the powerful ruling party and the people, including unfair distribution of resources, corruption, and social inequities.

The violent suppression of pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, on June 4, 1989, by the Chinese military, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

Deng Xiaoping, the paramount leader of China at the time, authorized the military crackdown on the protests, believing it was necessary to maintain stability and control.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) was deployed to quell the protests, encircling Tiananmen Square and using force to disperse the protesters.

The Tiananmen Square Massacre was seen by some as a continuation of China's historical pattern of suppressing dissent and opposition to authority.

The massacre resulted in the removal of pro-democracy leaders and the promotion of those who supported the crackdown, silencing dissent and reinforcing the Communist Party's control.

The Chinese political system is characterized by a parallel structure of the Communist Party and the government, with the party exercising ultimate authority.

The Communist Party claims to represent the historical best interests of the people and has the right to lead and guide them.

A principle of governance derived from Mao Zedong, emphasizing that the party should connect with the masses and reflect their interests.

A group of students who supported Mao Zedong during the Cultural Revolution. They attacked traditional Chinese culture and targeted individuals deemed 'anti-communist'.

The traditional customs, ideas, culture, and habits that the Red Guards were tasked with destroying during the Cultural Revolution. This aimed to eliminate elements of pre-communist Chinese society.

The widespread reverence and admiration of Mao Zedong during the Cultural Revolution. His image was displayed everywhere, and his writings, like the 'Little Red Book', were widely read.

A former leader of China targeted by the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution. He was accused of being an enemy of Communism and was publicly humiliated and imprisoned.

The Cultural Revolution aimed to eliminate traditional Chinese culture and purge the Communist Party of its 'capitalist' elements. It sought to solidify Mao Zedong's power and re-establish revolutionary zeal.

The Cultural Revolution caused widespread chaos and violence, resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of people. It significantly disrupted Chinese society and economy.

The Red Guards were initially supported by Mao Zedong and the PLA, but they soon became unruly and divided into rival factions, leading to unrest and chaos

The Cultural Revolution ended with Mao Zedong reasserting control through the use of the PLA. The Red Guards were sent to the countryside to be 're-educated'.