Hugo+&+Declan+Chinese+political+History

__**1. What is communsim and how did it begin in China?**__ Communism began in China in 1949, it was introduced when Mao Zedong came to power. The reason it began was because poverty was riddled throughout the nation and the government thought it was a way to fix their economy. Communists encouraged people, especially farmers, by telling them that the introduction of communism would bring them power, money and equality. It was thought that Communism would eliminate the evident classes of people (lower class, middle class, upper class). This was inviting to famers and people in poverty and it worked, temporarily. However, after a while, it becomes obvious that you're losing all your possession and you are effectively working for your government. __**2. Who is Cairman Mao?**__ - Mao was born on December 26, 1893, in Shaoshan, Huan Province, China and he suffered a heart attack on the 2nd of September 1976 and he died 7 days later on the 9th. - Communism began when Chairman Mao was in power making him on of the key members of the communist party. - He is the founder of the peoples Republic of China. - He started destroyed the traditional culture of China during the Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1973, which left the nation ridden with poverty. - Despite this he was a much loved leader and his death was considered a tragedy and all of China mourned. __**3. What was life like for Chinese people between 1930 - 1980?**__ The period of 1930 - 1980 was difficult for Chinese people, many lost their cultural identity and found it very hard economically as well. This was all down to the introduction of Mao Zedong. He brought Communism into China and this cost the lives of 40 million to 70 million people. Mao's "cultural revolution" was basically destroying the rich history that was so important to the Chinese people. So these times were very demanding and strange for them. __**4. What is The Long March?**__ The Long March was a retreat by the Red Army of the Communist Party of China. It was at the time of the Chinese Civil War and took 2 years, from 1934 to 1936. The retreat began when approximately 80,000 soldiers fled their army base and were swiftly surrounded by the Nationalist's Party Army. Thus, triggering the 6000 mile retreat. Only 8000 survived the ordeal. The Long March was a horrible event in human history with a significant loss of lives, but modern communist belief considers it as a victory. __**5. What was the ruling structure in China before communism?**__ Before Communism there were dynasties, emperors ruled the empire. The latest dynasty was the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912). __**6. Outline historical Chinese achievements.**__ China is most well known for its extraordinary inventions, the Chinese have invented something for every letter of the alphabet. With too many to list, the main four are paper, printing, gunpowder and the compass. All four are still very commonly used in modern times as well. __**7. How has China changed today? What is life like in China now?**__ Life in China has improved tremendously since Emperor Mao's reign. It remains a communist country but is evolving rapidly. The starvation that was ridden throughout the nation is long gone and doesn't look like returning. The population has risen significantly and more and more people are opting for the city lifestyle rather than in the country. Western civilisation is still considered more organised and superior, but China is not far behind anymore.