Mao’s China:

1. Mao’s China: “A revolution is not a dinner party...”

2. “A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another.”

3. Geographical Changes • Communist China gained control over: • Chinese • Turkestan (Xinjiang) • Inner Mongolia • Manchuria • Tibet PRC = People’s Republic of China (Communists) / ROC = Republic of China (Nationalists)

9. China Modeled on Soviet Union • Soviet Union provided financial support, aid in China’s first years • China modeled many of its new political, economic, military policies on Soviet system • 1950s, territorial disputes, differences in ideology pushed China away from Soviet ally Improvements in literacy rates, public health • Chinese life expectancy increased sharply over next few decades • Improvements came at a cost • To consolidate Communist control over China, government soon began to eliminate so-called “enemies of the state” who had spoken out against government’s policies • Many thousands—including public officials, business leaders, artists, writers—killed, or sent to labor camps

12. So, overall was the first 5 yr plan a success or a failure?

16. All health care was free • Western and traditional healthcare were practiced.

17. “Women hold up half the sky!”