Lecture Notes: The Rise of Communism in China (October 1949)

Key Events and Celebrations

• October 1949: Communism makes a significant advance in China, marking a historic moment after the Soviet revolution.
• Victory Celebrations in Beijing:
  • Tiananmen Square: Crowds gathered, chanting "Long live Chairman Mao."
  • Photographer's Insight: Emphasis on capturing the moment for future generations; a sense of liberation after centuries of struggle.
  • Mao Zedong's Proclamation: Announced the new beginning for China, promising freedom from inequality, poverty, and foreign domination.

Mao's Vision

• Mass Mobilization: 1/5 of the world's population to be part of a new societal experiment.
• Transformation and Sacrifice: While millions would suffer or die, their lives would be transformed under Mao's vision.

Socio-Economic Context in Early 20th Century China

• Rural Poverty:
  • Predominantly agrarian society with many living in desperate poverty.
  • Landless laborers like Hub and Shu experienced harsh conditions, working day and night just to scrape by.
• Inequality: Rich had access to justice, poor were neglected and mistreated.

Political and Social Developments

• 1920s Political Landscape:
  • President Chiang Kai-shek established a central government, ending warlord rivalries.
  • Nationalists (Guomindang) supported by businessmen and landowners.
  • Continued foreign dominance in trade and finance.
  • Belief in capitalism to eventually benefit the wider population.
• Social Divide: Stark contrast between the privileged middle class and impoverished masses.
  • Example: Jing Jing's affluent lifestyle as a businessman's wife.

Rise of the Communist Party

• Communist Mobilization:
  • Efforts to rally the urban proletariat, notably in Shanghai.
  • Suppression by nationalist forces led to purges and escape to rural areas.
• Yanan Base:
  • Post-Long March, Mao planned a revolution originating from the countryside.
  • Predicted a massive peasant uprising.

Civil War and Communist Victory

• Post-WWII Scenario:
  • Resumption of full-scale civil war between nationalists and communists.
  • Mao's promise of land reform and good treatment of peasants by troops won support.
• 1949 Outcome:
  • Nationalists retreat to Taiwan with gold reserves.
  • Mao takes charge of a bankrupt and devastated China.

Mao's Leadership

• Power and Promises:
  • Mao wields unprecedented power, akin to historical emperors.
  • His goal is to position China as an equal among world powers.