IGCSE History 0470

Depth Study: China, c.1930–c.1990

This section provides detailed notes for the IGCSE History 0470 Depth Study on China between approximately 1930 and 1990. It covers key political, social, and economic developments during this transformative period.

1. Political Developments

The period from 1930 to 1990 witnessed immense political upheaval and transformation in China. The dominant theme is the struggle for control and the eventual rise of the Communist Party.

• The Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945): This war significantly weakened the Nationalist government (Kuomintang - KMT) and created a power vacuum. It also fostered support for the Communist Party (CCP) among the peasantry.
• The Chinese Civil War (1927-1949): A long and devastating conflict between the KMT and the CCP. The war was punctuated by periods of cooperation against Japanese aggression, but ultimately resulted in the CCP's victory.
• The Rise of Mao Zedong: Mao's leadership solidified the CCP's control over the countryside and eventually over the entire nation. His ideology, Maoism, became the foundation of the People's Republic of China.
• The establishment of the People's Republic of China (1949): The CCP declared the establishment of the PRC, marking the end of the civil war and the beginning of a new era in Chinese history.
• The Korean War (1950-1953): China's intervention in the Korean War strengthened its international standing and solidified its position as a major power.
• The Great Leap Forward (1958-1962): A disastrous economic and social campaign aimed at rapidly industrializing China. It resulted in widespread famine and millions of deaths.
• The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976): A radical political and social movement launched by Mao Zedong to purge perceived capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. It caused immense social disruption and political instability.
• Deng Xiaoping's Reforms (1978 onwards): Deng Xiaoping initiated a series of economic reforms that transformed China into a major economic power. These reforms included the opening up of the Chinese economy to foreign investment and the introduction of market mechanisms.

2. Social Developments

Social life in China underwent profound changes during this period, influenced by political events and ideological shifts.

• Rural Life: The majority of the population remained rural throughout the period. The civil war and the communist revolution led to significant changes in rural society, including land redistribution and collectivization.
• Urbanization: Urbanization increased significantly, particularly after Deng Xiaoping's reforms. This led to the growth of cities and the migration of people from rural areas to urban centers.
• Education: Education became increasingly important, particularly under the communist regime. Efforts were made to improve literacy rates and provide access to education for all.
• Women's Roles: Women's roles in society were significantly impacted by political changes. While some progress was made in education and employment, traditional gender roles remained prevalent.
• Social Class: The communist revolution aimed to create a classless society, but social hierarchies persisted, particularly during the Cultural Revolution.

3. Economic Developments

The Chinese economy experienced dramatic shifts throughout the period, from a largely agrarian economy to a rapidly growing industrial and market-oriented economy.

• Early 20th Century: The economy was largely agrarian, with limited industrial development. The Second Sino-Japanese War severely disrupted economic activity.
• Communist Rule: The communist regime implemented a centrally planned economy, with state ownership of the means of production. The Great Leap Forward aimed to rapidly industrialize the economy, but it was largely unsuccessful.
• Economic Reforms (1978 onwards): Deng Xiaoping's reforms introduced market mechanisms, allowing for private enterprise and foreign investment. This led to significant economic growth and the emergence of China as a major economic power.
• Industrialization: Heavy industry was prioritized under both the KMT and the CCP, although the focus shifted towards consumer goods and technology during Deng Xiaoping's reforms.
• Agricultural Changes: Land reform redistributed land to peasants, and collectivization was later introduced. Agricultural production varied significantly throughout the period, with periods of success and failure.

4. Key Events and Turning Points

Event	Date	Significance
Second Sino-Japanese War	1937-1945	Weakened the KMT, increased CCP support.
Chinese Civil War	1927-1949	Resulted in the CCP's victory and the establishment of the PRC.
Establishment of the PRC	1949	Marked the beginning of a new era in Chinese history under Communist rule.
Korean War	1950-1953	Strengthened China's international standing.
The Great Leap Forward	1958-1962	Disastrous economic and social campaign leading to widespread famine.
The Cultural Revolution	1966-1976	Period of political and social upheaval causing immense disruption.
Deng Xiaoping's Reforms	1978 onwards	Transformed China into a major economic power.

This study of China between 1930 and 1990 reveals a complex and dynamic period of transformation, marked by political conflict, social upheaval, and economic change. Understanding these developments is crucial to understanding modern China.