GCSE History A OCR

Establishing Communism in China 1950–1965

I. Introduction of Communism (1950-1953)

• After successfully ending the Chinese Civil War, Mao Zedong established the People's Republic of China in 1949 and started to build a communist society.
• Mao followed the Marxist-Leninist model of development, which involved the nationalisation of industry and collectivisation of agriculture.
• The Agrarian Land Reform was introduced. Wealthy landlords were stripped of their lands which were then redistributed to the peasants.

II. Five Year Plans and Industrialisation (1953-1965)

• Mao introduced the First Five-Year Plan in 1953, focusing on the industrialisation of China, particularly heavy industry such as steel production.
• He modelled the plan after Soviet Russia's Five Year Plan, leading to increased economic cooperation between China and the Soviet Union.
• The urban workers were promised "iron rice bowls" - cradle-to-grave welfare - to encourage them to work hard and support the plan.
• The Great Leap Forward was launched in 1958, this was further drive in industrialisation and collectivisation, with the aim to outperform industrial output of western countries.
• The plan backfired disastrously, leading to economic hardship, severe famine and millions of deaths.

III. Social Changes and Impact

• The introduction of Communism led to profound social changes. The Communist government set about reforming society along egalitarian lines.
• The Marriage Law of 1950 outlawed arranged marriages, polygamy, child betrothal and enabled women to own land.
• Education was reformed and literacy campaigns were introduced, leading to significant improvements in literacy rates.
• However, strict control over freedom of speech allowed noiseless transition to communism and those who spoke against it were harshly punished.

IV. Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)

• Increasing opposition to Mao's policies led to the initiation of the Cultural Revolution.
• Mao aimed to reassert his authority and eliminate opposition by purging elements of Chinese society that he believed were infiltrated by capitalist elements.
• Schools and universities were shut down and students, known as Red Guards, were used to attack and humiliate teachers and intellectuals.
• Many historical relics and artifacts were destroyed as they were seen as symbols of old China.

This period of China's history, where Communism was established, is complex and filled with both successes and failures. It brought about significant economic, social, and cultural changes, leading China to become one of the most influential players in the global stage.