Understanding China 101 History and a few other

Understanding China 101 (History and a few other facts)

Historical Issues �With the end of the Great Ming Naval Expeditions, because of economic problems and inefficient government China closed its ranks �This was a proud nation that did not want western influence. They were the ultimate isolationists…Boxer rebellion and opium war. �China was not open to the outside world

Civil War NATIONALIST � Jian Jieshi-(Chaiang kaishek) was the leader of the Nationalist government and backed by the US. COMMUNIST � Mao Zedong was the leader of the Communist forces. Even though he was Communist, the Soviets did not trust him.

Beginnings �Nationalists gained power first and promised land reform or redistribution of property to the peasants…. . it did not happen �Jiang’s forces were easily defeated by Japan �Mao’s communists took advantage of the land the Japanese concurred during WWII.

US steps in 1945 Truman sends Marshall to meet with Jiang and Mao � The US sent over $3 billion in aide to help the Nationalists, but made them promise to help the people with it…. . Mao was not a fan � Mao forced Jiang on a long march with his army across China into Taiwan � 1949 Mao declared the “People’s Republic of China. ” �

US Response � � � Containment was a failure Truman refused to get involved in a war and he was criticized for it. Can a president ever be right?

Arms Race Begins Everyone was a bit nervous because of communist expansion � The National Security Council suggested a massive buildup of weapons to stay ahead of the Soviets……ARMS RACE � The NSC-68 said the Soviet Union should be considered an enemy with “design for world domination. ” �

Great Leap Forward � � Mao established his control over the economy using his Great Leap Forward. He controlled all that came in and went out of the country He made a push to produce steel in an effort to surpass the Soviet Union in production However it was not well thought out…. many people starved

Cultural Revolution MAO TRIES AGAIN � � Scholars became peasants and peasants became scholars Total re-education Pg. 116 “A Feather in the Storm” Many died as the country was transformed