Here's a Unit #8 Review Guide
in digital form if you prefer that...
Today's main focus will be on the rise to power of the Communist
Party in China under Mao Zedong's leadership. 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. The "first half" of you should have the episode watched before class time tomorrow,
and you should be ready to post your blog entry on the relevant page by the end of Friday.
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 guerrilla 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.)
China's Communist Revolution - A Glossary:
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 / Chiang 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.
HOMEWORK for tomorrow - Thursday, February 23rd
Please continue reading in Chapter 33 with Section 3, "Wars in Korea and Vietnam" (pp. 976-981). The quiz will be matching.
Your VIP "Correspondence" or "Poster" option is due on Lesson #26. (That's Monday.)
"Your" episode of the Cnn: Cold War
should ideally be watched before tomorrow's class. You should also have your
blog summary posted by the end of Friday.