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The Global Spread of Communism

Apr 30, 2025

Lecture: The Spread of Communism During the Cold War

Overview

  • The spread of Communism during the Cold War was seen negatively by the United States.
  • Key focus on Communist adoption in China, impacts in Africa (Egypt), Asia (Vietnam), and Latin America (Cuba).

Communism in China

  • End of Dynastic Rule:
    • 1911 revolution led by Sun Yat-sen ended 2,000-year dynastic rule, establishing a republic.
  • Rise of Chinese Communist Party (CCP):
    • Conflict between Nationalists and CCP starting in 1927.
    • Temporary alliance against Japanese invasion (1931-1945).
    • Post-WWII: Civil war resumed; Communists won with Soviet support.
  • Establishment of the People's Republic of China (1949):
    • Led by Chairman Mao Zedong.
    • Nationalization of industry, collectivization of agriculture.
    • Relatively peaceful transition due to CCP's trust with peasants.
  • Economic Policies:
    • Great Leap Forward aimed to industrialize China through rural development.
    • Strained relations with Soviet Union; Mao criticized Soviet Communism.
    • Resulted in famine, with millions dying due to poor policy and refusal of foreign aid.

Communism in Africa: Egypt

  • Suez Canal's Importance:
    • Vital for European economic interests.
    • Completed in 1869, controlled by British and French.
  • Egypt's Independence and Nationalization (1952):
    • Led by Gamal Abdal Nasser.
    • Nationalized Suez Canal, implemented socialist land reforms.
    • Led to conflict with Britain, France, and Israel.
    • Soviet Union threatened nuclear retaliation; US pressured withdrawal.

Communism in Asia: Vietnam

  • Post-WWII:
    • Vietnam declared independence from Japan and France.
    • Two governments: Communist North, anti-Communist South.
  • Land Redistribution:
    • North Vietnamese program aimed to redistribute land from wealthy to peasants.

Communism in Latin America: Cuba

  • Cuban Revolution (1956):
    • Led by Fidel Castro; established communist state.
    • Aimed to end US economic control of Cuba.
  • Economic Reforms:
    • Land redistribution; raised wages.
    • Nationalized US corporate land in Cuba.
    • US-led failed attempt to overthrow Castro, strengthening Soviet ties.

Conclusion

  • Communism's spread influenced by land reform and resource redistribution.
  • Impact seen across various global regions with differing outcomes and international responses.

Full transcript