Today's main focus will be on the rise to power of the Communist Party in China under Mao Zedong's leadership. (We'll also give you back some exams and go over the requirements for the Cnn: Cold War episode you need to watch.) I've got some images from a book, The Chinese Century, that may also help you make sense of some of this.
Cnn: Cold War Assignment: Yesterday, you received "your" episode from this series. I haven't checked all the links (nor have I seen all the episodes), so I am hoping this all works. You should have the episode watched before class time tomorrow, and you should be ready to post your blog entry on a page I will have available then. (Don't post in advance for two reasons. First, the page is not created. Second, I want you to post in order so that things make sense for the "reader.")
Here's what you should have ready to post. (I'd suggest saving it as a Microsoft Word document.)
- Provide the title of your episode, along with a several sentence summary of what it was about.
- Identify and key terms or people about which people should know.
- List the three main conclusions/points/ideas that people should take away from this episode. (We'll share these verbally in class as well.)
- Your reaction to the events you saw. Were there particular people or nations who acted in ways you found praiseworthy, dangerous, etc.?
- Your recommendation as to whether this is a worthwhile episode for others to watch.
As with any project of this magnitude, there will be critics of particular conclusions, interpretations, etc. The recent nature of many of these events, as well as the continuing process of declassifying government documents about them, makes the Cold War more controversial than most historical events. If you want to check out a (long) essay by someone who wasn't too impressed with this series, check out Gabriel Schoenfeld's "Twenty-Four Lies About the Cold War."
Back to the Chinese Civil War: Remember this one? When we last left our Nationalist and Communists, they were suspending their own conflict to resist Japan's invasion in World War II. Let's make sure you all have a good understanding of the answers to these questions:
- What advantages did the Communists have at the end of World War II?
- What issues and weaknesses led to the defeat of Jiang Jeishi's Nationalist forces?
- How did the outcome of the Chinese Civil War shape world events in the years to follow?
China Under Mao's Leadership: Let's be sure you understand these events and questions...
- How did Mao consolidate power in China?
- What was the "Hundred Flowers" campaign? Can you think of parallels in other countries?
- What was the Great Leap Forward? How did it affect China?
Take a look at Mao Zedong's "Ten Principles of War." How relevant are these for guerilla campaigns in the more modern world?
The Cultural Revolution: Morning Sun is a website that accompanies a film made about the Cultural Revolution. After some brief introductory comments, we'll have you take a look at a number of interesting links here.
- Why did Mao call for a "Cultural Revolution?"
- What were the goals and tactics of the Cultural Revolution?
- What was the legacy of the Cultural Revolution for China?
Check out these links at the "Morning Sun" website: (There's a lot more there, but I think you'll find these interesting.)
- Scroll down to find the link to "Ask Chairman Mao for the Answers." How is this evidence of the "cult of personality?"
- Scroll down to the link for "English Lessons: A Picture of Chairman Mao and A Black Boy in America." How is this evidence of propaganda?
- Next, check out a couple clips from "A Song and Dance Epic: The East is Red." Again, think about the way that Mao could use such productions.
China's Communist Revolution - A Glossary: This is from a BBC site marking the 50th anniversary of the Communist takeover of China. You can scroll down the links on the left for good definitions of some key people and concepts. (Note the "old" spelling on Jiang Jeishi / Chaing Kai-Shek.)
China's Economy - Looking Back at 50: Take a look at the three graphs below. Match changes with your understanding of China's history under Communist Party rule. (We'll return to China one more time to finish off the story.)
Pair up with a partner and examine the graphs. Be sure you understand what they are showing.
Stefan Landsberger's Chinese Propaganda Poster Pages: This is a really cool site. Scroll down to the bottom to find the different categories of posters. Browse around and share interesting images with your neighbors.
HOMEWORK for tomorrow - Thursday, February 19th
Please continue reading in Chapter 33 with Section 3, "Wars in Korea and Vietnam" (pp. 976-981). The quiz will be matching.
"Your" episode of the Cnn: Cold War series should be watched before tomorrow's class. You should also have your blog summary ready to post during class. (We'll do it that way so they are in order, rather than all jumbled up...)
