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Revision Notes
China since 1949: The communists in control — Revision Notes
ICSE · Class 12 · History
China since 1949: The communists in control revision notes for ICSE Class 12 History: 4 topics in quick points. Part of the ICSE Class 12 History syllabus.
69 questions36 flashcards5 concepts
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Key Topics to Revise
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1. Mao’s takeover and the task of rebuilding China
- Mao Zedong’s communist forces defeated the Kuomintang in 1949.
- China in 1949 was devastated by civil war and war with Japan; railways, roads, canals, dykes, food supplies, industry, and agriculture were badly damaged.
- China had a population of at least 600 million, so rebuilding and controlling the country was an enormous task.
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2. Agricultural change under Mao
- Agricultural reform began with land redistribution from large landowners to peasants.
- Some accounts claimed the change was carried out legally and with minimal violence, but later archives showed considerable violence, torture, and execution in some areas.
- By 1956, about 95 per cent of surviving peasants were in collective farms.
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3. Hundred Flowers and the Cultural Revolution
- In 1957 Mao launched the Hundred Flowers Campaign with the words: 'Let a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools of thought contend'.
- The campaign encouraged constructive criticism of the government and party cadres.
- Critics attacked cadre incompetence, over-centralisation, and party undemocratic practices.
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4. Life after Mao: power struggle and reform under Deng Xiaoping
- After Mao’s death in 1976, a power struggle followed.
- Three main contestants emerged: Hua Guofeng, Deng Xiaoping, and the Gang of Four led by Jiang Qing.
- Hua Guofeng was named by Mao as successor and became Supreme Leader briefly.
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Full NotesKey Concepts
Mao Zedong’s communist forces defeatedLand was taken from large landownersChina began a plan focused onMao called for open criticismLaunched in 1958
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important topics in China since 1949: The communists in control for ICSE Class 12 History?
Key topics in China since 1949: The communists in control include Mao’s takeover and the task of rebuilding China, Agricultural change under Mao, Hundred Flowers and the Cultural Revolution, Life after Mao: power struggle and reform under Deng Xiaoping. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise China since 1949: The communists in control for the ICSE Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 69 practice questions on China since 1949: The communists in control. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.
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Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
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