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[THREAD: REDDER THAN RED]
1/68
The China Mao grew up in was feudal, poor, and run by a king who was run by a queen who was run by devious despotism. By his 19th birthday, he'd successfully partnered with Sun Yat-sen, a Christian dissident, in the Xinhai Revolution.
1/68
The China Mao grew up in was feudal, poor, and run by a king who was run by a queen who was run by devious despotism. By his 19th birthday, he'd successfully partnered with Sun Yat-sen, a Christian dissident, in the Xinhai Revolution.
2/68
The Xinhai Revolution managed to pull China out of the Qing stranglehold, but did little to change the status quo on the ground. Yuan Shikai, the new leader of a new Republic of China, was himself a monarchist. This is when Mao discovered socialism. https://www.history.com/news/who-was-yuan-shikai
The Xinhai Revolution managed to pull China out of the Qing stranglehold, but did little to change the status quo on the ground. Yuan Shikai, the new leader of a new Republic of China, was himself a monarchist. This is when Mao discovered socialism. https://www.history.com/news/who-was-yuan-shikai
3/68
By 1919, Sun's Tongmenghui had disintegrated and Kuomintang (KMT) was born. 2 years later, Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao floated the Communist Party of China in Shanghai; Mao joined right away. In 1925, Sun died and KMT went to Chiang Kai-shek.
https://cpcchina.chinadaily.com.cn/2010-09/07/content_13901594_2.htm
By 1919, Sun's Tongmenghui had disintegrated and Kuomintang (KMT) was born. 2 years later, Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao floated the Communist Party of China in Shanghai; Mao joined right away. In 1925, Sun died and KMT went to Chiang Kai-shek.
https://cpcchina.chinadaily.com.cn/2010-09/07/content_13901594_2.htm
4/68
This is where we start witnessing a CPC-KMT rift thanks to Mao. His call to violence against landowners didn't sit well with KMT which enjoyed ample membership amongst them. From one such landowner family in Shaanxi came the 13-year-old Xi Zhongxun.
https://archive.org/details/maotsetung0000schr
This is where we start witnessing a CPC-KMT rift thanks to Mao. His call to violence against landowners didn't sit well with KMT which enjoyed ample membership amongst them. From one such landowner family in Shaanxi came the 13-year-old Xi Zhongxun.
https://archive.org/details/maotsetung0000schr
5/68
You'd think Xi should hate Mao's guts given the latter's resentment against his kind of family. But no, the boy goes on to not only demonstrate extensively against Chiang's nationalist regime, but even joins the CPC during one of his prison stints. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=PDm0DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA640&lpg=PA640&dq=Xi+Zhongxun+joins+cpc&source=bl&ots=A_Uf-Lio26&sig=ACfU3U21hUGHHqe5OutRCUI3pY-nOJJ3zQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjnttPHo5rqAhXZdCsKHfh6A2QQ6AEwE3oECBcQAQ#v=onepage&q=Xi%20Zhongxun%20joins%20cpc&f=false
You'd think Xi should hate Mao's guts given the latter's resentment against his kind of family. But no, the boy goes on to not only demonstrate extensively against Chiang's nationalist regime, but even joins the CPC during one of his prison stints. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=PDm0DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA640&lpg=PA640&dq=Xi+Zhongxun+joins+cpc&source=bl&ots=A_Uf-Lio26&sig=ACfU3U21hUGHHqe5OutRCUI3pY-nOJJ3zQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjnttPHo5rqAhXZdCsKHfh6A2QQ6AEwE3oECBcQAQ#v=onepage&q=Xi%20Zhongxun%20joins%20cpc&f=false
6/68
By 1933, China was already in a de facto split between the nationalists and the communists. Mao had declared an autonomous Jiangxi Soviet in the region under his control and even started issuing stamps and banknotes with Lenin's picture on them. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ABOMDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=mao+banknotes+lenin&source=bl&ots=TJNm7IqnAV&sig=ACfU3U0lMabeTxzronR0DKYvgcfR04rCzQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj38YiIpJrqAhUJdCsKHfpDBF8Q6AEwFXoECBEQAQ#v=onepage&q=mao%20banknotes%20lenin&f=false
By 1933, China was already in a de facto split between the nationalists and the communists. Mao had declared an autonomous Jiangxi Soviet in the region under his control and even started issuing stamps and banknotes with Lenin's picture on them. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ABOMDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=mao+banknotes+lenin&source=bl&ots=TJNm7IqnAV&sig=ACfU3U0lMabeTxzronR0DKYvgcfR04rCzQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj38YiIpJrqAhUJdCsKHfpDBF8Q6AEwFXoECBEQAQ#v=onepage&q=mao%20banknotes%20lenin&f=false
7/68
Xi and comrades Liu Zhidan and Gao Gang founded a similar soviet in Shaanxi. When KMT launched crackdowns against this "Chinese Soviet Republic" in 1934, the unprepared and outnumbered CSR leadership ordered an escape out of Jiangxi — the Long March.
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_1900_mao_march.htm
Xi and comrades Liu Zhidan and Gao Gang founded a similar soviet in Shaanxi. When KMT launched crackdowns against this "Chinese Soviet Republic" in 1934, the unprepared and outnumbered CSR leadership ordered an escape out of Jiangxi — the Long March.
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_1900_mao_march.htm
8/68
The March was a watershed moment in China's history and officially marked Mao's ascent to power. The whole shindig was spearheaded by Mao and and fellow rebel Zhou Enlai, who'd eventually go on to become Communist China's first Premier.
The March was a watershed moment in China's history and officially marked Mao's ascent to power. The whole shindig was spearheaded by Mao and and fellow rebel Zhou Enlai, who'd eventually go on to become Communist China's first Premier.
9/68
Mao practically worshiped Stalin as the purest inheritor of Marxist ideals. That's why when Stalin ordered Mao to drop his ego and collaborate with CKS against the Japanese, he did exactly that. This was during the 2nd Sino-Japanese War in 1935.
https://archive.org/details/maotsetung0000schr
Mao practically worshiped Stalin as the purest inheritor of Marxist ideals. That's why when Stalin ordered Mao to drop his ego and collaborate with CKS against the Japanese, he did exactly that. This was during the 2nd Sino-Japanese War in 1935.
https://archive.org/details/maotsetung0000schr
10/68
This worked for Mao too as it meant no more escaping the nationalist forces. The March finally came to an end with Mao and his men receiving food, shelter, and protection at Xi's guerrilla base in Shaanxi. Gao and Mao struck a bond during the stay. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=NztlWQeXf2IC&printsec=frontcover&dq=zhou+enlai&hl=en&ei=wBkuTdKyB4H_8AaJucigAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
This worked for Mao too as it meant no more escaping the nationalist forces. The March finally came to an end with Mao and his men receiving food, shelter, and protection at Xi's guerrilla base in Shaanxi. Gao and Mao struck a bond during the stay. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=NztlWQeXf2IC&printsec=frontcover&dq=zhou+enlai&hl=en&ei=wBkuTdKyB4H_8AaJucigAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
11/68
Mao repaid his hospitality the same year when he intervened to rescue Xi, Gao, and Liu from execution in a local Leftist "rectification" exercise. These exercises were common those days. By the end of the year, Mao was heading the CPC unopposed. https://www.chinafile.com/nyrb-china-archive/who-xi
Mao repaid his hospitality the same year when he intervened to rescue Xi, Gao, and Liu from execution in a local Leftist "rectification" exercise. These exercises were common those days. By the end of the year, Mao was heading the CPC unopposed. https://www.chinafile.com/nyrb-china-archive/who-xi
12/68
Mao's rescuing didn't serve Liu much as he died the very next year fighting a republican warlord. 1937 witnessed the chilling episode we know today as the Rape of Nanking. Nevertheless, the Japanese left in 1940 and the CPC-KMT civil war resumed. https://www.chinafile.com/nyrb-china-archive/who-xi
Mao's rescuing didn't serve Liu much as he died the very next year fighting a republican warlord. 1937 witnessed the chilling episode we know today as the Rape of Nanking. Nevertheless, the Japanese left in 1940 and the CPC-KMT civil war resumed. https://www.chinafile.com/nyrb-china-archive/who-xi
13/68
On Oct 3, 1949, Mao proclaimed the People's Republic of China from Tian'anmen (lit. the Gate of Heavenly Peace) with Stalin's support. Chiang Kai-shek and his KMT fled to Formosa (Taiwan) where it continues till date as Republic of China. https://www.theguardian.com/world/from-the-archive-blog/2019/oct/01/mao-zedong-proclaims-establishment-of-peoples-republic-of-china-1949
On Oct 3, 1949, Mao proclaimed the People's Republic of China from Tian'anmen (lit. the Gate of Heavenly Peace) with Stalin's support. Chiang Kai-shek and his KMT fled to Formosa (Taiwan) where it continues till date as Republic of China. https://www.theguardian.com/world/from-the-archive-blog/2019/oct/01/mao-zedong-proclaims-establishment-of-peoples-republic-of-china-1949
14/68
In 1950, Mao launched a campaign to suppress dissent that lasted 2 years and left, by his own claims, at least 700k dead. Unofficial numbers go into millions. The mandate to every village was to mark "at least one landlord for public execution." https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ioppEjkCkeEC&pg=PA87&dq=at+least+one+landlord,+and+usually+several,+in+virtually+every+village+for+public+execution&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=at%20least%20one%20landlord%2C%20and%20usually%20several%2C%20in%20virtually%20every%20village%20for%20public%20execution&f=false
In 1950, Mao launched a campaign to suppress dissent that lasted 2 years and left, by his own claims, at least 700k dead. Unofficial numbers go into millions. The mandate to every village was to mark "at least one landlord for public execution." https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ioppEjkCkeEC&pg=PA87&dq=at+least+one+landlord,+and+usually+several,+in+virtually+every+village+for+public+execution&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=at%20least%20one%20landlord%2C%20and%20usually%20several%2C%20in%20virtually%20every%20village%20for%20public%20execution&f=false
15/68
That year on Valentine's Day, Mao and Stalin signed the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship where Stalin pledged $300m in loans, military aid against a potential Japanese attack, and more, in exchange for Mao's recognition of Mongolia's independence.
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/ziliao_665539/3602_665543/3604_665547/t18011.shtml
That year on Valentine's Day, Mao and Stalin signed the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship where Stalin pledged $300m in loans, military aid against a potential Japanese attack, and more, in exchange for Mao's recognition of Mongolia's independence.
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/ziliao_665539/3602_665543/3604_665547/t18011.shtml
16/68
By the time this ended, Xi Zhongxun was elected to helm the party's propaganda. The very next year Mao launched his first 5-year plan. This brought rapid collectivization and Chinese character simplification to improve literacy. Oh and Stalin died. https://www.ukessays.com/essays/history/study-of-chinas-first-five-year-plan-history-essay.php
By the time this ended, Xi Zhongxun was elected to helm the party's propaganda. The very next year Mao launched his first 5-year plan. This brought rapid collectivization and Chinese character simplification to improve literacy. Oh and Stalin died. https://www.ukessays.com/essays/history/study-of-chinas-first-five-year-plan-history-essay.php
17/68
A little over 3 months after Stalin's death, Xi's 2nd wife Qi had her 3rd child Xi. Stalin's death was a body blow to Mao who had a personal distaste for Khruschev, the new Soviet boss. Away from Beijing, reprisals were brewing in Xinjiang.
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=isbn:9780691135908
A little over 3 months after Stalin's death, Xi's 2nd wife Qi had her 3rd child Xi. Stalin's death was a body blow to Mao who had a personal distaste for Khruschev, the new Soviet boss. Away from Beijing, reprisals were brewing in Xinjiang.
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=isbn:9780691135908
18/68
This is where Xi shone. In 2 years and with Mao's support, Xi successfully negotiated political solutions to the social unrest and prevented any violent uprising. As a token of gratitude, the Dalai Lama visited Beijing and gifted Xi an Omega. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=nfjCCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT79&lpg=PT79&dq=dalai+lama+xi+omega+watch&source=bl&ots=tBDfVyUQqA&sig=ACfU3U1sKtKs3NxtoAtkEJGXOcg6jgdQXQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi7kri4qprqAhVFfH0KHfjVBBAQ6AEwAXoECAsQAQ#v=onepage&q=dalai%20lama%20xi%20omega%20watch&f=false
This is where Xi shone. In 2 years and with Mao's support, Xi successfully negotiated political solutions to the social unrest and prevented any violent uprising. As a token of gratitude, the Dalai Lama visited Beijing and gifted Xi an Omega. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=nfjCCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT79&lpg=PT79&dq=dalai+lama+xi+omega+watch&source=bl&ots=tBDfVyUQqA&sig=ACfU3U1sKtKs3NxtoAtkEJGXOcg6jgdQXQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi7kri4qprqAhVFfH0KHfjVBBAQ6AEwAXoECAsQAQ#v=onepage&q=dalai%20lama%20xi%20omega%20watch&f=false
19/68
When the Lama's brother visited him again in the 1980s, Xi was still wearing that Omega. That same year, Gao lost Mao's grace over his personal rivalry with Zhou Enlai and committed suicide. The next year, he was posthumously purged from the CPC. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=nFeHn6pR2rIC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=gao+gang+purged&source=bl&ots=gSKYRQW7Tj&sig=ACfU3U0UucWpK96t0pXdNa8-jjwp7nL0Gg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiq_9_eqprqAhUKXisKHQO1CxoQ6AEwCnoECAsQAQ#v=onepage&q=gao%20gang%20purged&f=false
When the Lama's brother visited him again in the 1980s, Xi was still wearing that Omega. That same year, Gao lost Mao's grace over his personal rivalry with Zhou Enlai and committed suicide. The next year, he was posthumously purged from the CPC. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=nFeHn6pR2rIC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=gao+gang+purged&source=bl&ots=gSKYRQW7Tj&sig=ACfU3U0UucWpK96t0pXdNa8-jjwp7nL0Gg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiq_9_eqprqAhUKXisKHQO1CxoQ6AEwCnoECAsQAQ#v=onepage&q=gao%20gang%20purged&f=false
20/68
That year, Hungary rebelled against the USSR and although crushed, managed to get Mao worried. As a preemptive strike against any dissent, Mao started a Hundred Flowers Campaign where feedback was solicited from the public for the first time ever. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-silence-that-preceded-chinas-great-leap-into-famine-51898077/
That year, Hungary rebelled against the USSR and although crushed, managed to get Mao worried. As a preemptive strike against any dissent, Mao started a Hundred Flowers Campaign where feedback was solicited from the public for the first time ever. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-silence-that-preceded-chinas-great-leap-into-famine-51898077/
21/68
And feedback came. Overwhelmingly negative. The plan backfired so badly, Mao backtracked within months and began persecuting his critics. About half a million were persecuted. This is when the Sino-Soviet alliance started to visibly fall apart. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305750X18301323
And feedback came. Overwhelmingly negative. The plan backfired so badly, Mao backtracked within months and began persecuting his critics. About half a million were persecuted. This is when the Sino-Soviet alliance started to visibly fall apart. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305750X18301323
22/68
A lot happened that year. Xi made it to the CPC Central Committee, Khruschev delivered his "Secret Speech" and kick-started USSR's de-Stalinization, and Mao denounced this as an unacceptable Marxist revisionism. The rift was now very pronounced. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/feb/26/russia.theobserver
A lot happened that year. Xi made it to the CPC Central Committee, Khruschev delivered his "Secret Speech" and kick-started USSR's de-Stalinization, and Mao denounced this as an unacceptable Marxist revisionism. The rift was now very pronounced. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/feb/26/russia.theobserver
23/68
In 1958 Mao launched his 2nd 5-year plan, the "Great Leap Forward." This was a resounding disaster that left millions dead. Smaller farms were merged into large communes and livestock and farm implements were brought under collective ownership.
https://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/greatleap.htm
In 1958 Mao launched his 2nd 5-year plan, the "Great Leap Forward." This was a resounding disaster that left millions dead. Smaller farms were merged into large communes and livestock and farm implements were brought under collective ownership.
https://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/greatleap.htm
24/68
A large farm workforce was diverted into steel production. Typhoons, floods, and droughts ushered in the Great Chinese Famine that left 23-55 million dead. Such was the desperation that people resorted to eating pets, rodents, and even...people. https://www.scmp.com/article/723956/revisiting-calamitous-time
A large farm workforce was diverted into steel production. Typhoons, floods, and droughts ushered in the Great Chinese Famine that left 23-55 million dead. Such was the desperation that people resorted to eating pets, rodents, and even...people. https://www.scmp.com/article/723956/revisiting-calamitous-time
25/68
As China descended into disarray, Xi ascended to vice-premiership under Zhou Enlai. By April 1959, Mao's Leap was so unpopular that he handed over the Chairmanship to a more moderate Liu Shaoqi. But the Leap wasn't rolled back yet.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/20749353?seq=1
As China descended into disarray, Xi ascended to vice-premiership under Zhou Enlai. By April 1959, Mao's Leap was so unpopular that he handed over the Chairmanship to a more moderate Liu Shaoqi. But the Leap wasn't rolled back yet.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/20749353?seq=1
26/68
The Leap ended in 1962, a year before its actual due date. Remember Liu Zhidan who along with Xi and Gao sheltered Mao in Shaanxi during the March and who later died fighting a warlord? Well, someone wrote a biography on him. This was problematic. http://credibletarget.net/notes/LiuZhidan
The Leap ended in 1962, a year before its actual due date. Remember Liu Zhidan who along with Xi and Gao sheltered Mao in Shaanxi during the March and who later died fighting a warlord? Well, someone wrote a biography on him. This was problematic. http://credibletarget.net/notes/LiuZhidan
27/68
Although Liu was a martyr in CPC books, Gao (Liu's and Xi's disgraced comrade) wasn't. And the biography had some flattering references to the latter. This wasn't good for Xi who was seen as supportive of the book. This made him appear "anti-party."
Although Liu was a martyr in CPC books, Gao (Liu's and Xi's disgraced comrade) wasn't. And the biography had some flattering references to the latter. This wasn't good for Xi who was seen as supportive of the book. This made him appear "anti-party."
28/68
Spearheaded by Kang Sheng, a security and intelligence official with the CPC, the move against Xi gained momentum through 1965 when he was finally purged from all leadership roles and sent to work at a tractor factory in Luoyang as deputy manager. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=44laDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA564&lpg=PA564&dq=Kang+Sheng+xi+liu+biography&source=bl&ots=q5WoFlria4&sig=ACfU3U3_QAqsa5cuYkE8ZOHvGd38DbaJgA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUh67ErZrqAhXRZCsKHVhkC7MQ6AEwCXoECAcQAQ#v=onepage&q=Kang%20Sheng%20xi%20liu%20biography&f=false
Spearheaded by Kang Sheng, a security and intelligence official with the CPC, the move against Xi gained momentum through 1965 when he was finally purged from all leadership roles and sent to work at a tractor factory in Luoyang as deputy manager. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=44laDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA564&lpg=PA564&dq=Kang+Sheng+xi+liu+biography&source=bl&ots=q5WoFlria4&sig=ACfU3U3_QAqsa5cuYkE8ZOHvGd38DbaJgA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUh67ErZrqAhXRZCsKHVhkC7MQ6AEwCXoECAcQAQ#v=onepage&q=Kang%20Sheng%20xi%20liu%20biography&f=false
29/68
Wounded by reduced relevance after the Leap debacle, Mao was desperate for a comeback to power. But that called for a personality cult around him which wasn't easy. Mao was old and was seen by many as weak and cranky. That's when he had an idea.
Wounded by reduced relevance after the Leap debacle, Mao was desperate for a comeback to power. But that called for a personality cult around him which wasn't easy. Mao was old and was seen by many as weak and cranky. That's when he had an idea.
30/68
On July 16, Mao took a large contingent of cameramen to Wuhan to participate in an annual swimming event. With a reported 5k people in audience, Mao plunged into the Yangtze in a highly publicized theater of strength and vitality; the most absurd piece of propaganda.
On July 16, Mao took a large contingent of cameramen to Wuhan to participate in an annual swimming event. With a reported 5k people in audience, Mao plunged into the Yangtze in a highly publicized theater of strength and vitality; the most absurd piece of propaganda.
31/68
He covered a little over 9 miles in 65 minutes, going by reports in the Chinese media. Almost twice as fast as the current 1500-meter record-holder Sun Yang. The charade worked. made him an overnight sensation and propelled him back into reckoning. https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/1999098/chairman-maos-historic-swim-glorified-china
He covered a little over 9 miles in 65 minutes, going by reports in the Chinese media. Almost twice as fast as the current 1500-meter record-holder Sun Yang. The charade worked. made him an overnight sensation and propelled him back into reckoning. https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/1999098/chairman-maos-historic-swim-glorified-china
32/68
Optics fixed, Mao launched the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, the 2nd darkest chapter in China's history. The stated purpose was to rid China of all capitalistic elements and purging of the 4 "olds" — ideas, culture, customs, and habits. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/15/world/asia/china-cultural-revolution-explainer.html
Optics fixed, Mao launched the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, the 2nd darkest chapter in China's history. The stated purpose was to rid China of all capitalistic elements and purging of the 4 "olds" — ideas, culture, customs, and habits. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/15/world/asia/china-cultural-revolution-explainer.html
33/68
But in reality, it was Mao's way of eliminating political rivals and further bolstering his image as the supreme leader. His ideas were published in a "Little Red Book" and copies were distributed among students who were banded into vigilante groups called the Red Guards.
But in reality, it was Mao's way of eliminating political rivals and further bolstering his image as the supreme leader. His ideas were published in a "Little Red Book" and copies were distributed among students who were banded into vigilante groups called the Red Guards.
34/68
These Red Guards were given a free hand to wreak havoc against the "bourgeoisie." This included burning of books, destruction of museums and temples, summary trials and murders of teachers, and by some accounts, even ritualistic cannibalism. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=7bNooFMV12sC&pg=PA78&dq=red+guards+zhang&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=red%20guards%20zhang&f=false
These Red Guards were given a free hand to wreak havoc against the "bourgeoisie." This included burning of books, destruction of museums and temples, summary trials and murders of teachers, and by some accounts, even ritualistic cannibalism. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=7bNooFMV12sC&pg=PA78&dq=red+guards+zhang&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=red%20guards%20zhang&f=false
35/68
Intellectuals were anti-revolutionary as they could "think for themselves," so schools and universities were shut down. This vigilantism plus large-scale purges meant millions perished. This included Liu Shaoqi, the 3rd most powerful man in China. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=TYHPLULRAtAC&pg=PA391&lpg=PA391&dq=peng+dehuai+head+tumor&source=bl&ots=sWKyWnDcbw&sig=-usZwF_AREYvmJxp7Kw7K1UAf9o&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hUa5T-2JC8qkiQKJs7XxBg&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=peng%20dehuai%20head%20tumor&f=false
Intellectuals were anti-revolutionary as they could "think for themselves," so schools and universities were shut down. This vigilantism plus large-scale purges meant millions perished. This included Liu Shaoqi, the 3rd most powerful man in China. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=TYHPLULRAtAC&pg=PA391&lpg=PA391&dq=peng+dehuai+head+tumor&source=bl&ots=sWKyWnDcbw&sig=-usZwF_AREYvmJxp7Kw7K1UAf9o&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hUa5T-2JC8qkiQKJs7XxBg&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=peng%20dehuai%20head%20tumor&f=false
36/68
In the thick of this Cultural Revolution, the Red Guards ransacked Xi's family home and his wife was forced to publicly denounce him for his support of Liu's biography. The episode drove one of their daughters, Xi Heping, into suicide. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/world/asia/xi-jinping-china-cultural-revolution.html
In the thick of this Cultural Revolution, the Red Guards ransacked Xi's family home and his wife was forced to publicly denounce him for his support of Liu's biography. The episode drove one of their daughters, Xi Heping, into suicide. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/world/asia/xi-jinping-china-cultural-revolution.html
37/68
Remember that kid who was born to Xi and Qi 3 months after Stalin died? Well, he was 13 by now, his schooling cut short by the Revolution. In 1968, Xi was jailed as Mao launched the Down to the Countryside Movement to prevent the Red Guards from growing too strong.
Remember that kid who was born to Xi and Qi 3 months after Stalin died? Well, he was 13 by now, his schooling cut short by the Revolution. In 1968, Xi was jailed as Mao launched the Down to the Countryside Movement to prevent the Red Guards from growing too strong.
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Mao's insecurity wasn't entirely unfounded though. By 1968, his Cultural Movement had started showing signs of fatigue and infighting a common occurrence among the Red Guards. One episode that summer involved Beijing's Qinghua University. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=-NJpAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA244&lpg=PA244&dq=mao+Qinghua+university+war+workers+fight&source=bl&ots=1HsC_pB0kw&sig=ACfU3U14qgkSEWb9-yP1ZNiiVFop5YtesA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiLrKDxr5rqAhVBU30KHeYaA7QQ6AEwCXoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=mao%20Qinghua%20university%20war%20workers%20fight&f=false
Mao's insecurity wasn't entirely unfounded though. By 1968, his Cultural Movement had started showing signs of fatigue and infighting a common occurrence among the Red Guards. One episode that summer involved Beijing's Qinghua University. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=-NJpAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA244&lpg=PA244&dq=mao+Qinghua+university+war+workers+fight&source=bl&ots=1HsC_pB0kw&sig=ACfU3U14qgkSEWb9-yP1ZNiiVFop5YtesA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiLrKDxr5rqAhVBU30KHeYaA7QQ6AEwCXoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=mao%20Qinghua%20university%20war%20workers%20fight&f=false
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On Mao's orders, an army of 30k factory workers managed to crush a bloody brawl between two university factions. As a reward, Mao sent them a basket of mangoes he'd earlier received as gift from a Pakistani Minister. Nobody in China had tasted the fruit before.
On Mao's orders, an army of 30k factory workers managed to crush a bloody brawl between two university factions. As a reward, Mao sent them a basket of mangoes he'd earlier received as gift from a Pakistani Minister. Nobody in China had tasted the fruit before.
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Needless to say, the mangoes became an instant cult hit and along with them, Mao's "generosity." Ironically, while this basket of mangoes helped reaffirm a despot in China, another would help end one in Pakistan, some 20 years later. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/does-anyone-like-fruitbaskets
Needless to say, the mangoes became an instant cult hit and along with them, Mao's "generosity." Ironically, while this basket of mangoes helped reaffirm a despot in China, another would help end one in Pakistan, some 20 years later. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/does-anyone-like-fruitbaskets
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The Down to the Countryside Movement was essentially to disperse the vigilantes all over China. The reason given was a less intimidating "reform through labor." In fact, within a year of this launch, Mao declared an end of the Cultural Revolution.
https://www.dartmouth.edu/~library/digital/collections/manuscripts/rusticated-youth/index.html
The Down to the Countryside Movement was essentially to disperse the vigilantes all over China. The reason given was a less intimidating "reform through labor." In fact, within a year of this launch, Mao declared an end of the Cultural Revolution.
https://www.dartmouth.edu/~library/digital/collections/manuscripts/rusticated-youth/index.html
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Despite Mao's declaration, though, the Revolution didn't really end until his death 7 years later. Xi junior was also a victim of the Countryside Movement. He was sent to the Liangjiahe Village in the Shaanxi province to work as a party secretary.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201805/03/WS5aea434da3105cdcf651ba48.html
Despite Mao's declaration, though, the Revolution didn't really end until his death 7 years later. Xi junior was also a victim of the Countryside Movement. He was sent to the Liangjiahe Village in the Shaanxi province to work as a party secretary.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201805/03/WS5aea434da3105cdcf651ba48.html
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This is where his father had once given refuge to Mao after the Long March and set up one of the first Soviets of a proto-Communist China. The same Mao who now had his father disgraced and imprisoned. Here, the boy lived in a frugal cave house. https://s.telegraph.co.uk/graphics/projects/xi-jinping-cave/
This is where his father had once given refuge to Mao after the Long March and set up one of the first Soviets of a proto-Communist China. The same Mao who now had his father disgraced and imprisoned. Here, the boy lived in a frugal cave house. https://s.telegraph.co.uk/graphics/projects/xi-jinping-cave/
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The country life and the accompanying hardships were too much for the teenager and he fled to Beijing after just a few months, only to be caught and sent back to dig ditches at a labor camp as a disgraced "deserter." These were very hard times. https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2012-feb-11-la-fg-china-xi-20120212-story.html
The country life and the accompanying hardships were too much for the teenager and he fled to Beijing after just a few months, only to be caught and sent back to dig ditches at a labor camp as a disgraced "deserter." These were very hard times. https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2012-feb-11-la-fg-china-xi-20120212-story.html
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At this point, I suggest you take a pause and reflect. Step into the boy's shoes. What do you feel about the regime? What emotions? Resentment? Bitterness? Anger? Well, things were a tad different with this boy. He went Redder than Red, a well-calculated move.
At this point, I suggest you take a pause and reflect. Step into the boy's shoes. What do you feel about the regime? What emotions? Resentment? Bitterness? Anger? Well, things were a tad different with this boy. He went Redder than Red, a well-calculated move.
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In 1971, a battered but determined 15-year-old Jinping joined the Communist Youth League of China. After being rejected 7 times. And didn't stop there. Over the next 3 years, made 9 failed attempts to join the CPC, finally making it on the 10th. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-february-28-2018-1.4555132/wednesday-february-28-2018-full-text-transcript-1.4556381#segment3
In 1971, a battered but determined 15-year-old Jinping joined the Communist Youth League of China. After being rejected 7 times. And didn't stop there. Over the next 3 years, made 9 failed attempts to join the CPC, finally making it on the 10th. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-february-28-2018-1.4555132/wednesday-february-28-2018-full-text-transcript-1.4556381#segment3
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Daddy Xi continued to suffer extended incarcerations throughout the Cultural Revolution. Then came 1976. Mao died and with him, the Revolution. In "Mao: The Unknown Story," Jung Chang and Jon Halliday claim that as many as 3 million people died. Others claim, even more.
Daddy Xi continued to suffer extended incarcerations throughout the Cultural Revolution. Then came 1976. Mao died and with him, the Revolution. In "Mao: The Unknown Story," Jung Chang and Jon Halliday claim that as many as 3 million people died. Others claim, even more.
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The post-Mao era brought in a welcome whiff of moderation. China was now in Deng Xiaoping's hands. Daddy Xi was fully rehabilitated at the 3rd Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in Dec 1978 and sent to Guangdong as a provincial secretary.
The post-Mao era brought in a welcome whiff of moderation. China was now in Deng Xiaoping's hands. Daddy Xi was fully rehabilitated at the 3rd Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in Dec 1978 and sent to Guangdong as a provincial secretary.
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When Xi arrived, people were fleeing Guangdong for neighboring Hong Kong for wages that were about 100 times higher. Xi came up with the idea to liberalize the economy and with Deng's support, established China's first "Special Economic Zones." https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2017/04/21/chinas-new-special-economic-zone-evokes-memories-of-shenzhen/#537d24b276f2
When Xi arrived, people were fleeing Guangdong for neighboring Hong Kong for wages that were about 100 times higher. Xi came up with the idea to liberalize the economy and with Deng's support, established China's first "Special Economic Zones." https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2017/04/21/chinas-new-special-economic-zone-evokes-memories-of-shenzhen/#537d24b276f2
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By Sep 1982, daddy Xi had risen up the ranks to get elected to the Politburo and the party secretariat. 3 months later, a new constitution was adopted to prevent a repeat of Mao-like tyranny. It introduced a new concept — term limits for the President. 2 consecutive terms.
By Sep 1982, daddy Xi had risen up the ranks to get elected to the Politburo and the party secretariat. 3 months later, a new constitution was adopted to prevent a repeat of Mao-like tyranny. It introduced a new concept — term limits for the President. 2 consecutive terms.
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Meanwhile, Xi junior (Jinping) continued to rise up the ranks at his own pace, independently of his father. In 1997, at the age of 44, Jinping was named an alternate member of the 15th Central Committee of the CPC. He was one of 151 such members.
Meanwhile, Xi junior (Jinping) continued to rise up the ranks at his own pace, independently of his father. In 1997, at the age of 44, Jinping was named an alternate member of the 15th Central Committee of the CPC. He was one of 151 such members.
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Even at this point, Jinping suffered discrimination for being born to a party senior, a "princeling." In 2000, Xi Jinping became governor of Fujian and 2 years later, a full member of the 16th Central Committee, marking his ascension to the national stage.
Even at this point, Jinping suffered discrimination for being born to a party senior, a "princeling." In 2000, Xi Jinping became governor of Fujian and 2 years later, a full member of the 16th Central Committee, marking his ascension to the national stage.
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Those years, one Chinese city was quickly becoming a quintessence of Chinese prosperity. Shanghai. Under mayor Chen Liangyu the city got a brand new Yangshan Port and saw its subway expanded. Chen was also behind Shanghai's successful bid for the 2010 World Expo.
Those years, one Chinese city was quickly becoming a quintessence of Chinese prosperity. Shanghai. Under mayor Chen Liangyu the city got a brand new Yangshan Port and saw its subway expanded. Chen was also behind Shanghai's successful bid for the 2010 World Expo.
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Chen worked in Shanghai his whole life, but that didn't limit the power he held as the party's top honcho in a city this big. Then something happened in 2006. One of China's highest-level corruption investigations saw Chen implicated. And purged.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-10/23/content_714136.htm
Chen worked in Shanghai his whole life, but that didn't limit the power he held as the party's top honcho in a city this big. Then something happened in 2006. One of China's highest-level corruption investigations saw Chen implicated. And purged.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-10/23/content_714136.htm
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And Xi Jinping was picked to replace him. This is when Xi came under serious national radar. His career was about to blast off from here because this upgrade came just in time for the 17th Party Congress in 2007. This convention was important to not only Xi but also China.
And Xi Jinping was picked to replace him. This is when Xi came under serious national radar. His career was about to blast off from here because this upgrade came just in time for the 17th Party Congress in 2007. This convention was important to not only Xi but also China.
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Hu Jintao was set to retire in 2013. This convention was succession planning exercise. This is where Xi managed to worm his way into the 9-member Politburo Standing Committee of the CPC. How he pulled that off, we don't know. China is quite opaque like that.
Hu Jintao was set to retire in 2013. This convention was succession planning exercise. This is where Xi managed to worm his way into the 9-member Politburo Standing Committee of the CPC. How he pulled that off, we don't know. China is quite opaque like that.
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Do note that Xi managed to outrank Li Keqiang, himself one of the most powerful persons in China at the time, despite the latter being endorsed by President Hu himself. This is seen as a veritable diplomatic masterstroke, one that almost cleared Xi's path for 2013.
Do note that Xi managed to outrank Li Keqiang, himself one of the most powerful persons in China at the time, despite the latter being endorsed by President Hu himself. This is seen as a veritable diplomatic masterstroke, one that almost cleared Xi's path for 2013.
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Early next year Xi was elected the Vice President of China, further sealing his fate as the future Paramount Leader. The following 4 years were spent traveling the world preparing for his future role at the helm. One such trip was to Mexico on Feb 11, 2008.
Early next year Xi was elected the Vice President of China, further sealing his fate as the future Paramount Leader. The following 4 years were spent traveling the world preparing for his future role at the helm. One such trip was to Mexico on Feb 11, 2008.
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Addressing a gathering of Chinese expats, Xi castigated the "well-fed foreign critics" for defaming China. This speech established Xi in international reckoning, further cementing his odds. Then came October 2012. The 18th National Party Congress. https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/01/12/wikileaked-chinas-next-president-lashed-out-in-mexico-against-well-fed-foreigners/
Addressing a gathering of Chinese expats, Xi castigated the "well-fed foreign critics" for defaming China. This speech established Xi in international reckoning, further cementing his odds. Then came October 2012. The 18th National Party Congress. https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/01/12/wikileaked-chinas-next-president-lashed-out-in-mexico-against-well-fed-foreigners/
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This was the moment of truth. Xi Jinping was officially named to succeed Hu Jintao as China's President in a few months. In this capacity, Xi got 3 roles:
1. President, PRC,
2. Chairman, Central Military Commission, and
3. Gen. Secretary, CPC.
The writing was on the wall.
This was the moment of truth. Xi Jinping was officially named to succeed Hu Jintao as China's President in a few months. In this capacity, Xi got 3 roles:
1. President, PRC,
2. Chairman, Central Military Commission, and
3. Gen. Secretary, CPC.
The writing was on the wall.
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Immediately upon taking charge, Xi launched a massive crackdown against corruption that touched over a million govt. officials, several high-ranking ones included. In reality, this was also a party "rectification" campaign. A move to purge rivals. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/04/xi-jinping-china-corruption-political-culture/389787/
Immediately upon taking charge, Xi launched a massive crackdown against corruption that touched over a million govt. officials, several high-ranking ones included. In reality, this was also a party "rectification" campaign. A move to purge rivals. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/04/xi-jinping-china-corruption-political-culture/389787/
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Through this campaign, Xi managed to get powerful princelings and seniors like Zhou Yongkang, Sun Zhengcai, and Bo Xilai eliminated. This already made him the most powerful man in China. But that wasn't enough. All of this was to go away eventually. Unless...
Through this campaign, Xi managed to get powerful princelings and seniors like Zhou Yongkang, Sun Zhengcai, and Bo Xilai eliminated. This already made him the most powerful man in China. But that wasn't enough. All of this was to go away eventually. Unless...
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Remember that new constitution Xi's father had helped push in 1982? The idea was to prevent a repeat of Mao-style personality cult. It had 2 key elements added to this effect. One of them was the separation of power between the Presidency, the military, and the party.
Remember that new constitution Xi's father had helped push in 1982? The idea was to prevent a repeat of Mao-style personality cult. It had 2 key elements added to this effect. One of them was the separation of power between the Presidency, the military, and the party.
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By appointing himself at the helm of all 3, a first since the 80s, Xi had taken care of that item. The other item was term limits. No matter how powerful, Xi just couldn't go beyond 10 years. This was fixed in 2018 at the 13th National People's Congress.
By appointing himself at the helm of all 3, a first since the 80s, Xi had taken care of that item. The other item was term limits. No matter how powerful, Xi just couldn't go beyond 10 years. This was fixed in 2018 at the 13th National People's Congress.
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It was meant to be a succession planning huddle like the one in 2007. However, instead of appointing a potential successor, Xi pulled a coup. He introduced a constitutional amendment bill to abolish term limits. It passed. Almost without dissent. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2018/02/27/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-lifting-term-limits-for-xi-jinping/
It was meant to be a succession planning huddle like the one in 2007. However, instead of appointing a potential successor, Xi pulled a coup. He introduced a constitutional amendment bill to abolish term limits. It passed. Almost without dissent. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2018/02/27/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-lifting-term-limits-for-xi-jinping/
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Along with the removal of term-limits, the amendment also enshrined into the Constitution Xi's political philosophy, "Xi Jinping Thought." The last time this was done was when Mao lived. This move effectively placed Xi in the pantheon of the world's uncontested.
Along with the removal of term-limits, the amendment also enshrined into the Constitution Xi's political philosophy, "Xi Jinping Thought." The last time this was done was when Mao lived. This move effectively placed Xi in the pantheon of the world's uncontested.
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But this is where Xi departed from the road taken by Mao and Stalin. Optics. All the censorship and crackdowns notwithstanding, Xi has meticulously crafted the image of a leader drunk on his people's progress and not on power. He's ruthless, but not seen as such.
But this is where Xi departed from the road taken by Mao and Stalin. Optics. All the censorship and crackdowns notwithstanding, Xi has meticulously crafted the image of a leader drunk on his people's progress and not on power. He's ruthless, but not seen as such.
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So that's the story of the world's most patient dictator. Who didn't let humiliation fill him with vengeance, vengeance cloud his vision, and vision blind him to his predecessors' realities. If tyranny is an art, Xi has come closer to mastering it than anyone ever could.
So that's the story of the world's most patient dictator. Who didn't let humiliation fill him with vengeance, vengeance cloud his vision, and vision blind him to his predecessors' realities. If tyranny is an art, Xi has come closer to mastering it than anyone ever could.
