Chapter 35 Section 5China: Reform and Reaction

In response to contact with the West, China’s government has experimented with capitalism

but has rejected calls for democracy. Do Now: List 5 characteristics of a communist

government.

The Legacy of Mao

Problems with Mao’s Rule:• Mao wants to improve China’s economy but

cannot• His policies, a lack of modern technology,

prevents economic growth• He launches the Cultural Revolution in 1960s

– To revive Communist Spirit– Actually turns many people against Communism

• Zhou Enlai- leader in early 1970s- pursues moderate policies

China and the West

China Opened its Doors

• Zhou worries that China is too isolated from the rest of the world

• In 1971, US and China begin closer relations

Reform• In 1976, Mao and

Zhou die• Moderates take

control of Communist Party

• Deng Xiaoping- becomes leader of China by 1980

Deng’s Policies

• Four Modernization-– Deng’s plan for economic progress– Policy reverses strict Communist policies

backed by Mao

Unforeseen Problems• Reforms lead to some unrest over

privileges of Communist leaders• Western political ideas enter China,

encouraging democracy

Students Demand Democracy: Tiananmen Square Massacre

• In 1989, students protest in Tiananmen Square- public area of Beijing

Deng Orders a Crackdown• Deng orders army to surround square and

attack protesters• Attack leaves hundreds dead and

thousands wounded• Government begins large scaled

campaign to end dissent

China enters the New Millennium

China under Jiang

• In 1997, Deng dies; Jiang Zemin takes power

• Hard liners want Jiang to move away from Deng’s reforms

• In 2002, Jiang steps down in favor of Zhu Rongji

• Both Jian and Zhu favor continued reforms

Transfer of Hong Kong

• Hong Kong – former British colony– City in China– Major economic power

• In 1997, Britain gives Hong Kong back to China

China Beyond 2000: Economics & Politics

• Economic reforms reduce poverty in China

• China’s economy begins to prosper, even though others are suffering

• Many in China want political reforms

• China is becoming more involved with other countries