Overview
This lecture by Mao Zedong outlines the theory of New Democracy, analyzing China's historical and social conditions, the stages of its revolution, and the nature of its new political, economic, and cultural systems necessary for national liberation and progress.
China's Crisis and Path Forward
- China's crisis stems from colonial, semi-colonial, and semi-feudal oppression.
- Only scientific, responsible revolutionary practice by the masses can achieve liberation.
Building a New China
- The goal is to transform China into a politically free, economically prosperous, and culturally progressive nation.
- A new Chinese national culture must replace the old, oppressive culture.
Historical Characteristics of Chinese Revolution
- Culture reflects and influences politics and economics, with economics as the base.
- Old Chinese society was feudal, now semi-feudal and semi-colonial under foreign and local domination.
- The revolution must eliminate the old order and build a new, opposing system.
Two Stages of Revolution: New Democracy and Socialism
- The revolution consists of a democratic (New Democracy) and a socialist stage.
- New Democracy differs from old democracy and is led by the proletariat.
Chinese Revolution as Part of World Revolution
- Pre-1917, China's revolution followed the old bourgeois-democratic path.
- After the October Revolution, China's revolution became part of the global socialist movement.
- National liberation struggles in colonies/semi-colonies now align with world socialism.
Politics of New Democracy
- Post-May 4th Movement, the proletariat leads the democratic revolution.
- The national bourgeoisie has a dual character: sometimes revolutionary, often conciliatory with enemies.
- The new-democratic republic is under the joint dictatorship of all anti-imperialist, anti-feudal classes led by the proletariat.
- Three types of state: bourgeois dictatorship, proletarian dictatorship, and joint dictatorship of revolutionary classes.
Economy of New Democracy
- State owns large banks and industrial enterprises to prevent private monopolies.
- Land reform: confiscate landlords' land, distribute to peasants ("land to the tiller").
- Permits private and rich peasant economy, but not landlord or monopoly domination.
Critique of Bourgeois Dictatorship and "Left" Errors
- Bourgeois dictatorship/capitalism is impossible due to domestic weakness and global imperialist opposition.
- A socialist revolution is premature; current focus is anti-imperialist, anti-feudal unity.
- Rejects "theory of a single revolution"—China must complete democratic before socialist revolution.
Communism, Three People's Principles, and Revolution
- Communism guides both the current (democratic) and future (socialist) stages.
- Similarities exist between Communism and the (new) Three People's Principles but differ in program scope, worldview, and thoroughness.
- The Three People's Principles must include alliance with Russia, cooperation with the Communist Party, and support for peasants/workers.
Culture of New Democracy
- Old culture (imperialist and semi-feudal) must be eradicated.
- New culture reflects anti-imperialist, anti-feudal politics and is led by proletarian ideology.
- The May 4th Movement marked the beginning of this new cultural period.
Four Periods of Cultural Revolution
- Four periods: May 4th Movement, rise of the CCP and united front, counter-revolution, and anti-Japanese war.
- Each phase saw changing alliances and leadership, with the proletariat assuming a leading cultural role after the May 4th Movement.
Nature of New-Democratic Culture
- New culture is national (reflects Chinese characteristics), scientific (based on facts), and for the masses (serves workers and peasants).
- Advocates integrating useful aspects of world culture but rejects uncritical imitation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- New Democracy — Transitional stage led by the proletariat and other revolutionary classes, combining democratic and initial socialist elements.
- Old Democracy — Bourgeois-led revolution aimed at establishing capitalism.
- Three People's Principles — Sun Yat-sen's program: Nationalism, Democracy, and People's Livelihood, reinterpreted for New Democracy.
- Joint Dictatorship — Political power shared by multiple revolutionary classes, under proletarian leadership.
- Land to the Tiller — Land reform policy transferring ownership from landlords to peasants.
- May 4th Movement — 1919 mass, anti-imperialist and anti-feudal movement initiating modern cultural revolution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Study the Manifesto of the First National Congress of the Kuomintang.
- Review the history of the May 4th Movement and its impact on culture.
- Analyze differences and similarities between communism and the Three People's Principles.
- Familiarize with the roles of different classes in the Chinese revolution.
- Read about the development of China's national culture and its integration with world progressive culture.