Chinese Cultural Revolution

Transcription

1 Chinese Cultural Revolution

2 Politics is war without blood, while war is politics with blood. Mao Zedong

3 Dear Delegates, My name is Charmine Osore and I am excited to be your director for the Chinese Cultural Revolution committee at WUMUNS 2018! I am currently a member of the Class of 2021 here at Washington University, studying Political Science and French. Joining MUN was one of the best experiences of my freshman year, so I am happy to continue contributing to the legacy of WUMUNS. This committee will span the reign of infamous dictator Mao Zedong during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. His absolute autonomy transformed China. Radical upheaval swept through world s oldest continuous culture, and the tumultuous political climate of this changed Chinese history forever. You will take up the mantle of the PRC immediately after the movement s infamous purges turned Chinese society on its head. Please note that while you will have a great deal of liberty with your crisis portfolio powers, the dais and I expect you to address these topics with maturity and discretion. Advocacy of genocide and racism will not be tolerated. As always, we encourage you to act with creativity and careful consideration during our limited time in committee. Delegates will find that they are most successful when they fully embrace their character and their office. Do not hesitate to push the boundaries of your portfolio powers and of standard Model UN actions. While we value presence in committee and back-room skill equally, the course of this committee will be flexible and responsive to the actions you take as a body and an individual. Endless opportunities await: it is your challenge to seize them. The revolution is now in your hands. Can you achieve the glorious socialist state, free from Western corruption, that was outlined by Mao? Can you manage domestic pressures and the tumult of international Cold War politics? Though loyalty and ambition, can you survive and thrive in the merciless world of communist China? If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am excited to see where you all take this committee in the fall. Sincerely yours, Charmine Osore c.osore@wustl.edu

4 Contents Committee Mandate... 5 Historical Background Establishment and Origin of the People s Republic of China The Great Leap Forward The Cultural Revolution: Early Efforts... 9 Mobilization and the Purges Ninth National Congress of the Communist Party Topic A: Establishing a Post-Revolution Society.. 12 Topic B: Ensuring Loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party Topic C: Building Chinese Industry. 14 Topic D: Loyalty at Home and Spreading Maoism Abroad 15 Delegate Positions. 16

5 Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons Committee Mandate Greetings, Comrades; It is with great pleasure I welcome your participation in the 9 th Politburo of the Communist Party of the People s Republic of China. It is my hope, as your founder and premier, that our collective effort will succeed in creating a dominant socialist state. The year is now 1969, the thirtieth year of Chinese Communism and the third year of the great Cultural Revolution in which we are now engaged. Peasants across the country rejoice at the defeat of the reactionary and bourgeois swine that corrupted every fold of Chinese society. You are tasked with seeing this project to its completion. Your efforts in your respective offices and the party loyalty which unites you make each of you vital in securing stability in a country that has just experienced a revolutionary wave like the world has never seen before. Each of you holds knowledge in a specific area of expertise that is crucial to our success. Given that you are the most influential body in China, collaborative efforts will direct all Chinese policy. It is your responsibility to uphold my Communist vision, all while facing China s current economic and social conflicts. Let your loyalty to this great nation drive your decisions throughout the committee. Your individual voices will be best represented through strong crisis notes, speaking, and your ability to work with others. I have outlined your main goals, but I am putting a great deal of trust in this committee. Keep in mind that your efforts will be the leading influence in the coming years of the Revolution, so determine your plan of action wisely. Every public and private decision you make will have consequences. Remember that a strong yet flexible ambitions have the potential to influence the events of the entire revolution. Note that we do not exist in a vacuum; your connections to individuals outside the committee will prove crucial to our success. In any respect, the future is in your hands. Now is the time for a new dawn in the People s Republic of China together, we write the future of our people. Your trusted leader, Mao Zedong 5

6 Establishment and Origin of the People s Republic of China Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons Historical Background The twentieth century saw drastic change in Chinese politics. The tumult began in 1911, when millennia of imperial rule ended with the establishment of a republic governed by the nationalist Kuomintang party (KMT). Grounded in military might, the KMT held the reigns of the country with a shaky grip that was soon challenged by Communist partisans. These groups were sponsored by the Soviet effort to spread communism beyond the borders of the USSR, in accordance with the Bolshevik doctrine of workers around the world revolting against their oppressors. From farms and fields, the common men and women of China came, rallying behind a charismatic peasant from the sloping valleys of Hunan province. His name was Mao Zedong. As Mao s communist movement gained momentum, the KMT began repressing farming communities with force. Tensions skyrocketed and open conflict began in 1927 after Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek embraced openly violent persecution to suppress the Chinese peasantry. Guerilla warfare and violence dotted the rural provinces of China as the nationalists and communists waged a chaotic and deadly civil war. The ambushes, raids, and skirmishes that characterized this conflict continued until 1937, when the Japanese Empire launched a full-scale invasion of China. The Japanese, through industrialization, had become the dominant military force in East Asian they had defeated the Russian Empire only 20 years earlier. Now, the power of the Emperor s armies was unleashed upon a divided China. Realizing that the prosperity of their nation was threatened with subjugation, the KMT and the Communist Party declared a truce and pledged to ally with one another to fight the Japanese under the banner of the Second United Front. It was the hope of many that this united force could defend China from the Japanese Empire s highly advanced and modernized military. In truth, this alliance was largely a facade; cooperation was minimal and partisan conflicts continued. Battles raged across China during the Second World War. Japanese forces burned and despoiled many Chinese cities, slaughtering the innocent and enslaving civilians into abusive roles. The most infamous case of such war crimes befell the Chinese city of Nanking, where thousands of homes were looted, countless women and children were assaulted, and approximately 300,000 civilians were massacred. The Second United Front attempted to combat the 6

7 Japanese Imperial Army through ambushes and open battles. Success was variable, but the financial and equipment-based support of the Allied power kept the forces fighting. Due to the fractured nature of the Second United Front and the organizational efficiency of the Japanese Army, the war in China was largely a stalemate for the duration of the war. The flames of civil war re-engulfed China as soon as the Japanese Empire lowered its flag in surrender in The once-united front splintered again into two forces - the KMT nationalists and Mao s new wave of communist revolutionaries. Yet this time the stakes were higher; Western powers saw communism as a more serious threat against the backdrop of the Cold War. Subsequently, the KMT began receiving funding from the United States while the Soviet Union countered with support for Mao and the Chinese Red Army. 1 During this time, Mao Zedong centralized his position in Chinese politics. His involvement originated in the anti-imperialist May Fourth movement of and had steadily grown until he was the face of the communist party. Much of this momentum came through his status as a prominent military figure and was cemented by his dedication to the working class, intuitive understanding of strategy, and ambitious direction for China. Early days of the civil war saw hopes of successful negotiations between the American Truman administration and Chinese negotiator Zhou Enlai, but growing hostility between the Eastern and Western blocs soon made China the battleground of a full-fledged proxy war. Peasant support for the Communist cause multiplied rapidly. The confluence of peasant volunteer militias, Soviet arms, and Mao s leadership proved too much for the fractured KMT. On October 1, 1949, following the KMT s defeat, Mao ushered in a new era of government with the establishment of the People s Republic of China. Inspired by his years of Marxist study, Mao knew the peasantry would be the most valuable resource for this new country. Land was immediately redistributed, breaking the system of land-owning elites oppressing tenant farmers that had existed in China for all its history. After the Communist victory, there was an increased sense of support among the rural peasants. This period established Mao s reign and his status as the most prominent voice in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Great Leap Forward One of Mao Zedong s most ambitious projects prior to the Cultural Revolution was an economic initiative known as the Great Leap Forward. From 1958 to 1960, Mao enacted a five-year plan that aimed to industrialize and modernize the Chinese economy. 2 Borrowing themes from the Russian Revolution and Stalin s five-year plans, he attempted to establish China as a supreme global power. But rather than achieve economic growth through the 1 Young, Ernest P., and Jerome Silbergeld. "China." Encyclopædia Britannica. January 11, Accessed February 08, The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "Great Leap Forward." Encyclopædia Britannica. July 20, Accessed December 30,

8 traditional model based on machinery implemented in Western Europe, China opted for a labor-intensive path to industrialization. Peasant farms were collectivized and new industries (most notably steel and quarrying) sprung up in rural areas. Propaganda greased the wheels of industry, as one s unquestioned loyalty to the party was valued over any introduction of Western knowledge. Strict quotas and crucial food incentives led to back-yard foundries for the smelting of pig iron springing up in the backyards of rural hamlets. Initial signs looked promising, and support from the government of the Soviet Union facilitated economic growth. It seemed that this five-year plan, coupled with China s growing population, would come to finally realize Mao s goal of China becoming one of the world s economic hubs. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons But success was fleeting. Despite Mao s unwavering zeal, the move to industrialization lacked the scale of organization and planning needed to radically shift the world s largest agrarian economy. Collaboration evaporated as agricultural farm communities became cutthroat societies in which people competed and sabotaged one another in hopes of receiving the greatest reward, typically food, for the most output. The unsuccessful move to small scale industrialization was exacerbated by a series of natural disasters and low-quality steel, often smelted by those who knew little about the process. Poor crop yields on collectivized farms led to the largest famine in human history, estimated at between 45 and 70 million deaths. 3 Officials increasingly encouraged the use of violence and deceptive promises of rewards to force Chinese peasants into labor. 4 The authoritative nature of Mao s police state, coupled with poor economic returns, forced the five- 3 Somin, Ilya. "Remembering the biggest mass murder in the history of the world." The Washington Post. August 03, Accessed December 30, The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "Great Leap Forward." Encyclopædia Britannica. July 20, Accessed December 30,

9 Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons The Cultural Revolution: Early Efforts year plan into failure. China officially ended the program in In the Western world, the tragedies of this period cemented Mao s image as a ruthless and oppressive leader. Diplomatic relations remained practically nonexistent. In the following years, much contention arose among party officials as some leaders blamed the narrow socialist agenda for the failure of the program. Mao took issue with this, but his image was significantly damaged by the travesties of the Great Leap Forward. 5 The result was political instability, dangerous for the future of Chinese communism. Such conditions set the stage for the Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong s attempt to regain control of the government while sustaining a communist state. A complete transformation of Chinese politics was the only way to preserve stability. The failures of the Great Leap Forward also elevated longstanding conflicts between the CCP and China s ethnic minority populations. Xinjiang province in western China is home to the Uyghur population. The region was originally used as a defensive zone against the Soviet Union but was subsequently named an autonomous region. Uyghurs do not claim they are a part of the Chinese empire due to a history of cultural and religious oppression. On the cusp of China s modern political revolution, radical separatist groups like East Turkestan People s Revolutionary Party were embarking on their rebellion efforts. In the years following the Great Leap Forward, Mao Zedong continued in his role as the Chairman of the Communist Party. His principles were heavily rooted in traditional Marxist socioeconomic policy, which he envisioned as the future of Communist China. Mao felt that Western influence was tainting the integrity of the socialist state. Abroad, the rise of Nikita Khrushchev as successor to Soviet leader Joseph Stalin marked the end of Sino-Soviet relations. Khrushchev denounced many of the policies of Stalinist Russia upon entering office, unsettling Chinese communist leaders. In 1961, the formerly close relations between the two communist powers of the world officially ended. The leaders of the Chinese 5 Lieberthal, Kenneth G. "Cultural Revolution." Encyclopædia Britannica. September 28, Accessed January 08, Revolution. 9

10 Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons Mobilization and the Purges Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons Politburo declared that China needed to develop a pure form of Marxist ideology, one that drew power from proletarian famers rather than proletarian factory workers. Thus, Maoism was born; the first firm steps towards the Cultural Revolution had been made. Domestic political tensions continued throughout the 1960s. Mao felt that many Communist officials were falling into revisionist policies that favored a market economy modeled after the West. Despite massive economic overhauls, there was indeed still a capitalistic attitude within the government and among certain demographic groups of the public. 6 To stop this threat and preserve the planned economy, change was needed at the fundamental level. Mao s aim was to eliminate the Four Olds that plagued Chinese society: ideas, customs, culture, and habits. Mao wanted to eradicate this toxic ideology of the past characterized best by the popular strain of intellectualism which increasingly seemed to override Communist principles. With the motive for revolution confirmed, Mao needed the means. Diminished credibility after the failed Great Leap Forward stood in his way. Several times, Mao attempted to appeal to the Politburo, China s main body of Communist party officials. There was still major doubt among those that wanted to move towards more revisionist policies. Since he found no support in the traditional institutions of government, Mao decided to upstart his Revolution outside the party structure. No demographic had a bigger influence on the commencement of the Cultural Revolution than the young people of China. The generation of young adults in the mid- 1960s had a markedly different experience with Mao as a leader than their parents, who lived through the devastating Great Leap Forward. The Chairman they saw was a national hero, a 6 DIKÔTTER, FRANK "The Cultural Revolution A People's History." History Today 66, no. 9: Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed January 7, 2018). 10

11 champion of a true ideology of equality. For these reasons, they were much more likely to throw their support behind his cult of personality. Mao saw opportunity in the spirited voices of the youth and decided to make them the grassroots agents of his initiative. In August of 1966, students from all corners of the country began to form militant revolutionary Red Guard groups in the name of Maoist principles. 7 Their main agenda consisted of eliminating all bourgeois influence from society by targeting party officials. As the movement grew and Mao spread his revolutionary plans throughout the government, the message and tactics of the Red Guard strayed into chaos. Propaganda machines pumped out posters of young revolutionaries holding up Mao as the prophet of a new social order. Loyalists to Mao s cause quoted proverbs from his Little Red Book as scripture. Cultural artifacts, works of art, and pieces of furniture from several centuries of Chinese history were burned, destroyed, or buried in as the purge grew. But perhaps the most prominent effort was violence and persecution. Thousands of doctors, scholars, artisans, and skilled intellectuals were rounded up by Red Guard groups. These criminals were humiliated in front of massive crowds in mock trials and executed. Alarmed by the situation, Mao decided to bring in the People s Liberation Army (PLA) as a more structured force. Led by Lin Biao, the PLA was tasked with regulating both the agitated public and Communist politicians. As initial plans came to fruition, other officials began to contribute to the Revolution in their own way. Jiang Qing, Mao s third wife, began an underground organization named the Gang of Four. Created in 1965, members of the group elevated themselves into high ranking government positions, giving them the ability to have a significant effect on the Revolution. Their covert identity gave them the opportunity to manage grassroots efforts and rally the nation in a more rebellious manner. Only the inner most circle of the government (the members of the Politburo assembled in this committee knew the true identities of organization s members. They had immense influence in the Chinese media and were a valuable asset to Mao Zedong. Many of their propaganda campaigns led to greater public support for the Revolution and Mao. Ninth National Congress of the Communist Party The pivotal moment for Mao s Revolution occurred at an annual gathering of the Communist party officials. Held in Beijing from April 1 st to the 24 th, this Congress resulted in a formal recognition of the Cultural Revolution by the Chinese government. Maoism was officially added to the Constitution and Lin Biao, a close friend of Mao and leader of the PLA, was named as the successor of Mao. 8 The Politburo was officially restored after a major overhaul of its membership. Mao had replaced all the treasonous officials with those he 7 "The 9th National Congress." The 9th National Congress - People's Daily Online. Accessed January 04, "The 9th National Congress." The 9th National Congress - People's Daily Online. Accessed January 04,

12 trusted to carry out his vision of a Maoist China. By the 1969, Mao had complete control of the Chinese government and was looking to carry out the next stage of his Revolution. It is upon the threshold of this new era of history that the committee here assembled now stands. Topic A: Order from Chaos: Establishing a Post-Revolution Society Before new crops can flourish, the corruption of weeds must be removed at the roots. This agricultural proverb summarizes the philosophy behind Mao s Cultural Revolution, but China has nearly been torn asunder by efforts to purge its soil. Rhetoric of suspicion is now the narrative of everyday life among Chinese people. The Red Guard militias were encouraged to actively seek out those with counter revolutionary interests, from intellectuals to farmers. Battalions of youth vigilantes throughout the country conducted house raids, held riots, and committed atrocities, all in the name of cleansing China of capitalism. Now that the revolution is nearly complete, the Politburo faces the challenging task of controlling this revolutionary fervor and restoring harmony to China. But there is no unanimous opinion on the path to reconstruction. Generals of the PLA demand the military autonomy of the Red Guard be scaled back, as they feel they pose a threat to China s stability. Maoist intellectuals and hardliners disagree, saying the work is of the revolution is far from over. No one can deny the youth are still an important factor in China s success. The challenge is now finding a way to educating them in collective identity of Maoist principles, rather than irrational individuality. Mao hopes to utilize the PLA to regulate the public and private lives of Chinese people. After the unruly actions of the Red Guard, it was necessary to retain their militaristic efforts in a more centralized body. This Politburo is made of several skilled army officials. Members of the body should use their expertise to control any possible rebellions among the public, ensuring that communism is the ruling law of the land. Failing to do so will damage the future innovation of this young nation. A larger military presence will also depend on the movements of separatist movements throughout China. In the Xinjiang province, Uyghur communities are assembling in underground rebel groups. Citizens claim that the neglect from the CCP has become unbearable. Currently, they are heavily outnumbered, but that can all change if the movement spreads. The region is home to a considerable number of Russian immigrants, which gives rebels easy 12

13 access to the Soviets. Failing to address the concerns of Xinjiang citizens may come to haunt the strength of the Revolution. How can China s youth be utilized in a more effective and organized manner? What role does the Red guard play in China s development with the introduction of the PLA? How can China regulate public and private attitudes to sustain the Revolution? What strategies can be used to regulate separatist movements? Topic B: Big Brother is Watching: Ensuring Loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party Mao understood any bourgeois or capitalistic ideals as the ultimate form of corruption. The Cultural Revolution began with the idea that those who claimed to be revisionists were preventing the socialist development of China. With a sense of trust developed, Mao expects absolute loyalty to Maoist doctrine to define the rest of the Revolution. In 1969, he established the Central Case Examination Group as the main political body for this purpose. 9 This shadowy organization vigorously investigates and persecutes any party members suspected of counterrevolutionary actions. While members of the committee have a certain influence over the CCEG, they answer first to Mao. The committee must develop an effective way to expand such efforts to face the treasonous forces among their own comrades while watching each other for suspicious behavior. Mao expects those around him enough to report any Communist officials suspected of having relations with the West. He even remains skeptical of those who still support Russia, as he has denounced Khrushchev s leadership. 10 Even though there is an attempt to distance the country from the West, China s modernization efforts should not be hindered. Maintaining a strict agenda within the Politburo sets an example for Chinese population at large. If those within the government remain attached to old principles, then there is no way for China to move forward. 9 Schoenhals, Michael. "The Central Case Examination Group, " The China Quarterly, no. 145 (1996): Lieberthal, Kenneth G. "Cultural Revolution." Encyclopædia Britannica. September 28, Accessed January 08, Revolution. 13

14 How China abandon non-communist influence despite their previous ties with the Soviet Union? What strategies can be used to identify and address those with revisionist interests? How will the committee face the influx of minority rebel groups throughout China? How can this body maintain a level of discipline and loyalty throughout the Revolution? Topic C: The Worker s Cause: Building Chinese Industry Even after Mao s opponents denounced the Great Leap Forward, economic hardships continued to plague the public. Bearing most of tragedy are the agricultural peasants. Mao s insistence on large scale grain collection from villages across China forced the country into starvation and poverty. 11 The devastating famine of the early sixties left hundreds of villages in poverty. Ambitious attempts were not informed enough and planned enough to create the industrious utopia envisioned by Mao. 12 Many villagers resorted to private business, which was suppressed though violence. Mao now seeks a long-term enforcement of collectivization, outside the realm of the Western market economy. 13 He wants to implement a true system of collectivization and communist economic policy. Still, China is at a global disadvantage due to the current economic conditions. Pressures to remain isolationist are becoming harder to resist as China s economy struggles and globalization increases worldwide. The government must find a way to industrialize and kick-start the economy under communism without outside influence. Recovery will depend on a clear strategy to uplift the proletariat. There is a dire need for stable economic conditions among the Chinese public. This new era is a time for the rebuilding of China s socioeconomic structures under an effective socialist ideology. Establishing the image of the Chinese strength and competency is an ever-present goal for the Communist 11 Dik, Frank. "Mao's Great Leap to Famine." The New York Times. December 16, Accessed January 08, Harms, William. "China's Great Leap Forward." The University of Chicago Chronicle, March 14, 1996, Vol.15, No.13 ed. Accessed January 8, Lieberthal, Kenneth G. "Cultural Revolution." Encyclopædia Britannica. September 28, Accessed January 08, Revolution. 14

15 Party. Even under Mao s strict dismissal of a market economy, China s survival depends on a significant change in the current economic model. How can China achieve modern industrialization under a purely socialist economy? What practices must China adopt to recover the economy and support the agricultural peasantry? How can China account for increased population growth under a new economy? Topic D: A Revolution with No Bounds: Loyalty at Home and Spreading Maoism Abroad The Cold War that currently divides the world into armed camps is in full force. The Western powers stand firm behind the bulwark of NATO while the USSR continues to dominate the Warsaw Pact nations behind the Iron Curtain. As colonial empires crumble and new independent states emerge, the international realm is an increasingly important topic of discussion in China. Mao thus has declared that one focus of the Revolution is uniting with established and budding communist nations under Maoism. Several East Asian countries are on the verge of their own communist revolutions. Vietnam is caught in a tumultuous war with Western powers over the fundamental right to declare themselves a socialist nation. China has the potential to aid many nations in similar positions, but they are confronted with another world power, the Soviet Union. Once an allied nation, the Russians have strayed into revisionism. Both nations find themselves seeking to expand their influence, but the Russians undoubtedly have an edge in appeasing upcoming wave of communist nations. Mao s legacy is etched into the history of China, but it is the committee s mission to make Chinese Communism an untouchable force throughout the entire world. Even with Mao s steadfast ambition, many members of the CCP were hesitant to become too involved in the affairs of other countries before recovering their own. The government must find a balance between creating stability at home while still fortifying their presence abroad. The stability of this government depends on establishing a balance between the recovering the home front while creating international connections. What role does China play in fostering socialism in other countries? In what ways can China build their international presence without becoming too involved in the affairs of other countries? 15

16 How can China differentiate itself among the Western superpowers and the Soviet Union? Delegate Positions: The 9th Politburo of the Communist Party of China Zhou Enlai, Premier of the People s Republic of China Lin Biao, Vice Chairman of the Communist Party of China Chen Boda, Senior Advisor to the Chairman Kang Sheng, Head of the Central Case Examination Group Zhou Enlai is the Premier of the People s Republic of China. Though he comes from an upper-class family, Zhou Enlai has been dedicated to the CCP from the beginning. Acting as one of Mao s closest confidants, Enlai played an integral role in the party s development. In 1949, he travelled to several African and Asian countries under his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs and advocated for a unification of third world countries. As an avid supporter of spreading Maoism internationally, Zhou has long advocated establishing diplomatic ties with other socialist countries. Though China has cut off ties with the Soviet Union, he still has contacts in the Russia. Mao has great trust in his ability to solidify China s image abroad. Lin Biao is the Vice Chairman of the Communist Party of China. It was during his formative years in the Communist youth corps that Lin Biao developed his military prowess. He then went on to the prestigious Whampoa Military Academy, where he met Zhou Enlai. Mao quickly noticed his uncanny military strategies and later named him the Marshal of the PLA, making him the most popular military name in China. Lin s level of respect in the Community Party has significantly risen due to his recent appointment as the successor to Mao. This has motivated him to begin fortifying his political career. Still, the country continues to hail him for his military excellence. Chen Boda is the Senior Advisor to the Chairman. No one has mastered the philosophical fundamentals of Maoism better than Chen Boda. Now he plans to channel his countless years of study into his position as head of education reform. As a young academic, he attended Sun Yat-sen University in Moscow, before returning to teach at China College in Beijing. During this time that he showed great interest in the Communist movement. He was one of the first professors in to interpret and teach Maoist principles in the country. Now that the Revolution is in full swing, Chen can properly educate the next generation of Chinese youth. Though a mysterious figure in the CCP, most everyone knows the ruthless and unforgiving tactics of Kang Sheng. After performing government purges in the early 60s, he is now stepping into the spotlight as the head of the Central Case Examination Group. In the 1940s, he trained as a member of the Soviet Secret 16

17 Police. There he learned all he knows about surveillance and identifying threats to the Revolution, establishing connections with a network of operatives across the country. He has used his influence to eradicate those he deems destabilizing or unsupportive of Maoist ideals. He shows no mercy on his enemies, but that makes him that best at what he does. Jiang Qing, Leader of the Gang of Four Hua Guofeng, Chairman of Hunan Province Zhang Chunqiao, Head of Shanghai Commune Wang Hongwen, Minister of Health Ye Qun, Wife of Lin Biao Mao and Jiang met at the Lu Xun Art Academy when she was a drama instructor. By then she was developing her interests in propaganda. At this point, she was already an accomplished artist and a dedicated member of the communist efforts. The two married in 1939, making her the third wife of Mao Zedong. Quickly, she developed the same revolutionary spirt as her husband when she formed the illustrious Gang of Four. Many leaders have opposed her involvement in politics, but her defiant spirit has led her to become of the most influential women in China. At the beginning of his career, Hua had hands in almost every sector of the Chinese government. From propaganda chief of a small county, to joining the PLA in the 1950s, he quickly made a name for himself. His dedication to local politics followed him to his current position as the chairman of the Hunan province of China. Many of his reforms were well received and got the attention of Mao. His years among the millions of faces of the proletariat class make him a policy expert and a stark advocate for members outside China s elite circles: the workers and manual laborers of the country. Even with a background in journalism, Zhang did not hesitate to seize power as the head of the Shanghai commune. Motivated by anti-westernization, Zhang established the Commune to rid the city of all bourgeoisie influence. Soon the city was ruled with an iron fist. It was his success in the rule of Shanghai that earned him a spot on the Politburo and the Gang of Four. As the Minster of Health, Wang coordinates healthcare and medical services in China. His goal is to create an effective nationalized system of healthcare. China s population is expanding at exponential rates, which makes disease and poor health pose a considerable threat. Wang believes this is the greatest weakness of the nation and want to elevate awareness and action surrounding this issue. Creating healthy citizens will lead prosperous revolution. Throughout their relationship, Ye has stood strongly by her husband Lin Biao. She has always remained dedicated to the development of his career, but now they find themselves in the same political body. Now she has the opportunity to bring her own ideas to the forefront. Since has handled most of his politics throughout the years, Ye has access to officials and resources in all areas of the government. 17

18 Ye Jianying, Young Politician Liu Bocheng, Marshal of the People s Liberation Army Xu Shiyou, Xinjiang Regional Representative Chen Xilian, Industrial Advocate Li Zuopeng, City Planner Li Xiannian, Elder of the Communist Party of China Ye was born to be a communist leader. He is the youngest member of the Politburo but has spent all his life within the CCP. Up until his death, Ye s father was one of Mao s greatest allies. Now he wants to honor his father s legacy, while creating a reputation of his own. It is no secret that Li comes from a background of privilege, which often causes other members to doubt his abilities. However, he prides himself on his cunning negotiation abilities, which often defy the expectations. After spending years among communist officials, Ye has mastered the political games of the CCP. Nicknamed the one-eyed dragon, due to his lost eye, Liu is a strategic and intelligent marshal of the PLA. As a marshal, Liu is developing military artillery and missile program. His skills saved him from exile in the early days of the Revolution, after officials discovered his support of the former president s revisionist policies. Still, he stands firmly behind Mao s agenda and has plans to surpass the strength of the west through a more advanced arsenal. Xu is a representative from the Xinjiang region. He was integral in resolving early boarder dispute with the Soviets and even travelled with Mao to meet with officials in Moscow. Due to the successful negotiation, Mao stationed him in the autonomous region of Xinjiang. Xu is not Uyghur himself, but he is tasked with regulating the community. Chen has years of military experience but as a former general, but also studied for many years to be an engineer. His technological experience makes him an advocate for industrialism within China. Mao has tasked him with advancing the country s industrial technology to increase their level of production. As a young man he learned about metalwork through an apprenticeship at a local factory. However, the gravity of the communist movement led him to an accomplished military life during the civil war. As the leading city planner and infrastructure developer, in China, Li quickly elevated to a member of the Politburo. He began as a city delegate in the province of the Hunan, where he was praised for his ability to revamp the aging buildings. Mao now wants to spread his innovation throughout the country. Many Chinese cities and villages face dangerous living conditions. If tarnished areas are not rebuilt, the country will have difficulty supporting its growth. Li occupies one of the eight most highly respected positions as an Elder of the Chinese Communist Party. He began as a top general during the Chinese Civil War Revolution but has since relinquished his military duties. He is now known with the CCP for his tranquil demeanor. From uprising to revolution, Li has seen the growth of China unlike anyone else on the committee. Growing up in the last surviving Qin dynasty, Li believes in maintaining some aspects of Chinese traditionalism, even with a prudent outlook. 18

19 Wu Faxian, Commander of the Air Force Qiu Huizuo, Director of the PLA General Logistics Department Yao Wenyuan, Editor of Liberation Daily Huang Yongsheng, Head of Labor Management Dong Biwu, Minister of Finance Xie Fuzhi, Minister of Public Security In 1965, Wu was named the Commander of the Air Force and granted the status of lieutenant general. His wants to create nothing short of the best air force in the world. Wu s creative and intricate aircraft designs have been used all over the east. China s limited resources have been a barrier, but his ingenuity allows him to make the most out of anything. He believes perfecting China s aviation artillery will most effectively demonstrate China s capability to the rest of the world. Qiu serves as the Director of the PLA General Logistics Department giving, him the responsibility of coordinating soldiers. Under this office, he regulates soldier recruitment and training. His stringent program has bred some of China s most accomplished military figures. Earlier in his career, Lin Biao saved Qiu from persecution after he was accused of anti-revolutionary attitudes. Since then, he has vowed to protect Lin from enemies and remains one of his closest allies. The Yao s scathing criticism of the Chinese elite was one of the important catalysts of the Revolution. Shortly after, he was made the editor of the newspaper Liberation Daily. The publication is produced in Shanghai, but it reaches all areas of the country. His energy and success in the press caught the attention of Jiang Qing, leading to his initiation into the Gang of Four. As a skilled writer, he defends the nation against attacks of slander here and the international press. His ability to spin any story makes him a vital asset to crafting China s image. Growing up as a poor working-class child was not an easy task for Huang. Despite his tough upbringing, he saw Mao s movement as a gateway to upward mobility His ambition led him all the way to the Politburo as the new head of labor management. Huang regulates the distribution of workers as well as factory development in urban China. Having grown up in a rural village, Huang is sympathetic to the plight of the working class. He knows that China will be nothing without the tireless labor of its citizens. However, if they are not uplifted and respected, he believes faith in the CCP will dwindle. Dong has been by Mao s side since the establishment of the People s Republic of China. He began as Mao s personal finance advisor, but he serves the country as the Minister of Finance. All allocation of monetary resources both home and abroad pass through his office. As the leading economic expert in the country, he could reform China s post Great Leap forward economy. Dong supports the socialist agenda, he does not hesitate to admit the grave state of the economy. He approaches discussions with a sense of intellectual honesty and will never sugarcoat the situation. Efforts to reconstruct China will rely on his regulation of China s expanding economy. Keeping the Chinese people save is no easy task as the Minister of Public Security. Xie regulates and organizes the intelligence and security efforts of the Revolution. His responsibilities include protecting the public through the police 19

20 force and deploying spies around the world. He is one of Mao s most trusted allies of the committee due to his steadfast loyalty. Unlike other PLA generals, Xie stands by the unwieldy Red Guards and views them as a resource that should be sustained. He has faith that they can be controlled and used for the cause. Ji Dengkui, Minister of Energy Li Xuefeng, Chairman of Hebei Province Li Desheng, Director of the PLA Political Department Wang Dongxing, Bodyguard of the Chairman It has been Ji s honesty that has brought him to be the Minister of Energy. Though he has little military experience, he finds himself in the highest-ranking body of the CCP. He is responsible for implementing strategies to unearth and distribute the abundance of natural resources in China. Ji does not let his intimidation affect his duties as his is just as dedicated as other members. Since he does not come from the same background of war, he is hesitant to implement violence, as his is still affected by the travesties that the civil war brought to his village. After being distanced from the Revolution due to his criticism of the Red Guard, Li has been brought back as the chairman of the Hebei province. Above all, he is truly thankful to be back in the government and a contribute to China s new path. His expertise in agricultural tactics makes him important in addressing China s surmounting population issue. As a young man, he was the mayor of his village by age eighteen and implemented a prosperous wheat production program. Still, he has much to prove to keep his position in the Politburo. Li s role as the director of the PLA Political Department proves to be increasingly important as Mao amplifies their involvement. Under this role, Li manages PLA press and legal issues related to the army. He hopes to keep the image of the PLA strong and establish them as the unstoppable military face of China. Soldiers. Mao established this department as a designated alternative in the case that other forms of government fall. His ability to influence several areas of government have made him an interference in the eyes of other PLA officials. As a result, Li often finds himself in conflict with certain generals who underestimate his abilities. As Mao Zedong s principal bodyguard, Wang takes his job extremely seriously. He grew up idolizing Mao and his upward climb in the CCP. Now that he is a member of this government, Wang takes his duties to heart and remain suspicious of all potential traitors. Though all the members of the Politburo were hand-picked by Mao, Wang remains suspicious of their motives, especially the Gang of Four. If he senses any trouble, he will be the first to defend Mao s honor and legacy. 20