History GCSE, China under Mao

How did Mao lay the foundations of the Communist state in China 1949-53?

China’s government was re-organised around the Communist Party. 

Mao took the most important roles in the government and army so he could control what was happening.

The Army was used to help run the country.

Communist party officials were based in businesses and local communities, so they could influence what people thought and did.

Opponents (counter-revolutionaries) were forced into re-education camps or executed.

China’s government was re-organised around the Communist Party. 

Mao took the most important roles in the government and army so he could control what was happening.

The Army was used to help run the country.

Communist party officials were based in businesses and local communities, so they could influence what people thought and did.

Opponents (counter-revolutionaries) were forced into re-education camps or executed.

China’s government was re-organised around the Communist Party. 

Mao took the most important roles in the government and army so he could control what was happening.

The Army was used to help run the country.

Communist party officials were based in businesses and local communities, so they could influence what people thought and did.

Opponents (counter-revolutionaries) were forced into re-education camps or executed.

China’s government was re-organised around the Communist Party. 

Mao took the most important roles in the government and army so he could control what was happening.

The Army was used to help run the country.

Communist party officials were based in businesses and local communities, so they could influence what people thought and did.

Opponents (counter-revolutionaries) were forced into re-education camps or executed.

1950 Agrarian reform law. 43% of land was taken from landlords and given to the poorest 60%.

People’s Courts were set up at which landlords were denounced, and many were executed. As a result the landlord class ceased to exist in China.

One of the aims was to increase food production. It did not do so.

All the banks were taken over by the government and a new currency was launched. Prices and wages were fixed to stop inflation. By 1950 the currency was stable and inflation under control.

China’s railways had been destroyed in war. Re-building was given priority and were owned and operated by the state. The government also took over heavy industries and decided wages and working hours.

Thought Reform

Mao did not want people to think independently. Propaganda was used to spread Communist ideas and people were required to attend lots of meetings to reinforce Mao’s expectations.

Socialist Re-education

People who were suspected of opposing Mao were required to go to more re-education meetings. Some, such as foreigners and major businessmen were forced to leave. Others were sent to labour camps or to live with peasant. Thousands died.

Changing status of women

Foot-binding and arranged marriages and buying wives were forbidden.

Divorce was made easier and there was better access to education.

Women were given the right to vote…