All questions of Communism - Rise & Decline for UPSC CSE Exam

The main objective of the Northern Expedition led by the Kuomintang (KMT) in 1926-1928 was to unify China and end the rule of warlords. This expedition was a military campaign undertaken by the KMT with the aim of overthrowing the warlord factions that had divided China into multiple regions and establishing a centralized government. The expedition was led by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and marked a significant step towards the reunification of China.

Unifying China and ending warlord rule:

The Northern Expedition was launched in response to the political and social chaos that prevailed in China during the 1920s. The country was fragmented as warlords controlled different regions and engaged in power struggles, leading to widespread lawlessness and instability. The KMT saw the need to bring an end to this fragmentation and establish a unified China under its leadership.

The expedition began in Guangdong province and gradually advanced northwards, with the KMT forces successfully defeating and assimilating various warlord factions along the way. As the KMT gained territory and consolidated its power, it aimed to establish a centralized government that would bring stability and effective governance to the country.

During the Northern Expedition, the KMT sought to dismantle the power of the warlords by integrating their territories into a unified China. This involved military engagements, negotiations, and political maneuvering to weaken and eliminate warlord factions. The KMT also aimed to establish its own administrative structure and extend its authority over the entire country.

Significance of the Northern Expedition:

The Northern Expedition was a significant turning point in modern Chinese history. It marked the beginning of the end of warlord rule and set the stage for the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC) government. The expedition helped to unify China under the KMT's leadership and paved the way for subsequent political and social reforms.

The success of the Northern Expedition also had implications for the broader geopolitical landscape in China. It challenged foreign imperialism and sought to establish Chinese sovereignty and self-determination. While the expedition did not completely end foreign influence in China, it marked a step towards asserting Chinese independence and reducing external control.

In conclusion, the main objective of the Northern Expedition led by the Kuomintang (KMT) in 1926-1928 was to unify China and end the rule of warlords. The KMT aimed to establish a centralized government and bring stability to the country by dismantling warlord factions and integrating their territories into a unified China. The expedition marked a significant turning point in Chinese history and set the stage for subsequent political and social reforms.

Introduction:
Lenin made significant changes to the theory and practice of communism as envisioned by Karl Marx, particularly through the introduction of democratic centralism.

Democratic Centralism:
Lenin introduced the concept of democratic centralism, which emphasized the importance of a strong central leadership within the communist party. This system allowed for open debate and discussion among party members, but ultimately decisions were made through democratic processes and were binding on all members. This centralized structure was designed to ensure unity of action and prevent factionalism within the party.

Key Changes:
- Lenin's emphasis on democratic centralism distinguished his approach from Marx's ideas of a more decentralized and spontaneous revolution.
- By implementing democratic centralism, Lenin was able to consolidate power within the Bolshevik party and maintain a strong, disciplined organization that could effectively pursue the goals of communism.
- This system also enabled Lenin to swiftly implement policies and strategies, leading to the successful October Revolution in 1917 and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Impact:
- Lenin's introduction of democratic centralism marked a significant departure from Marx's original vision of communism, but it proved to be a crucial adaptation that allowed for the successful implementation of communist principles in practice.
- This change laid the foundation for the development of Leninism as a distinct ideological framework within the broader communist movement, influencing the course of revolutionary movements around the world.

In conclusion, Lenin's introduction of democratic centralism was a key change that significantly altered the theory and practice of communism, setting the stage for the establishment of the Soviet Union and shaping the course of communist ideology in the 20th century.

Leonid Brezhnev succeeded Nikita Khrushchev as the leader of the Soviet Union. He played a significant role in the era of stagnation that followed Khrushchev's rule.

The main goal of the Boxer Rebellion was to resist foreign imperialism and Christianity in China. The Boxers, or the Militia United in Righteousness (Yihetuan), were motivated by proto-nationalist sentiments and opposed the influence of foreign powers and Christian missionaries in China.

Khrushchev used the term "Developed Socialism" to describe the Soviet Union's progress towards communism. It was a concept that suggested the Soviet Union had reached an advanced stage of socialism on its path to eventually achieving communism.

Stalin's collectivization of agriculture in the Soviet Union resulted in the creation of large, state-controlled farms known as collective farms or kolkhozes. This policy aimed to eliminate private landownership and place agricultural production under state control, but it often led to hardship for the peasants and a decrease in agricultural productivity.

Overview of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution
The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution was a socio-political movement initiated by Mao Zedong in China from 1966 to 1976. Its primary aim was to reinforce Communist ideology and purge elements perceived as bourgeois or counter-revolutionary within society.
Main Goals of the Cultural Revolution
- Purification of Communist Ideology: The Revolution sought to eliminate capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society, ensuring that the Communist Party maintained ideological purity.
- Elimination of Perceived Enemies: Mao targeted intellectuals, party officials, and anyone deemed a threat to the revolutionary cause. This included those who were sympathetic to Western influences or had ties to previous regimes.
- Mobilization of Youth: The movement heavily involved the youth, particularly through the Red Guards, who were encouraged to challenge authority and promote revolutionary fervor. This led to widespread chaos and violence.
- Destruction of Cultural Heritage: Traditional customs, culture, and artifacts were attacked in an effort to eradicate the “Four Olds”: old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas. This destruction was seen as a necessary step to create a new socialist society.
Consequences of the Cultural Revolution
- Social and Economic Disruption: The Revolution led to significant social upheaval, economic instability, and a breakdown in education and cultural institutions.
- Long-term Impact: The Cultural Revolution left a profound impact on Chinese society, politics, and culture, shaping the country’s trajectory for decades to come.
In summary, the main goal of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution was to purify Communist ideology and eliminate perceived enemies, fundamentally aiming to reshape Chinese society according to Maoist principles.

The immediate cause of the Russian Revolution of 1917 was World War I. The war took a heavy toll on Russian soldiers at the front and on peasants at home. Riots broke out in several Russian cities, and when Tsar Nicholas II ordered soldiers to suppress these riots, they refused. This led to his abdication and the eventual rise of the Bolsheviks to power.

One of the key challenges faced by China's agricultural reform in the 1980s was the loss of scarce agricultural land to industrialization and urbanization. This trend posed a significant problem for food production.

Within a month after Mao Tse-tung's death in 1976, Hua Guo-feng became the new Chairman of China. This leadership change marked a significant political development in China's history.

The period of improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during Khrushchev's leadership is often referred to as the "Thaw." It was characterized by a relaxation of tensions between the two superpowers.

Stalin's policies resulted in mass migration to urban areas in the Soviet Union. His policies, including forced collectivization and industrialization, led many people to move from rural areas to cities in search of work and opportunities. This urbanization significantly changed the demographic landscape of the country.

The establishment of the Republic of China in 1912 resulted from the Xinhai Revolution, which was a nationalist democratic revolt that overthrew the Qing Dynasty and led to the creation of a republic.

Deng Xiaoping proclaimed the "Four Modernizations" as agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology. These were the key areas he focused on for China's development.

The death of Hu Yaobang in 1989 became a catalyst for the student democracy movement in China. His death led to renewed calls for political reform and freedom of expression, sparking student protests.

The Warlord Era, which lasted from 1916 to 1928, was characterized by the division of China among various military cliques, each controlling different regions.

The construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 was primarily aimed at preventing East Germans from defecting to West Germany. It was a physical barrier designed to stop the mass exodus of East Germans seeking better living conditions in the West.

The temporary alliance between the Chinese Nationalists (Kuomintang) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) to resist Japanese invasion during the Second Sino-Japanese War was known as the First United Front.

The Nanjing Decade and Civil War Era began with Chiang Kai-shek taking control of Nanjing and continued until the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War. It was a period of tension and conflict between the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and the Chinese Communist Party.

The Battle of Stalingrad during World War II was a major turning point in the conflict. It resulted in a Soviet victory and marked the beginning of the Soviet Union's successful counteroffensive against the retreating German forces. This battle was a crucial moment in the war and played a significant role in the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

Stalin's policies had a significant impact on the Soviet cultural and intellectual world. Under his rule, a reign of terror and censorship was imposed, stifling artistic and intellectual freedom. Many artists, writers, and intellectuals faced persecution, and foreign achievements were often derided in favor of Soviet primacy.

Joseph Stalin's rule greatly increased the Soviet Union's industrial output. Under his leadership, the Soviet Union embarked on rapid industrialization through a series of five-year plans. By the late 1930s, the Soviet Union's industrial output had become one of the largest in the world, surpassed only by that of the United States.

The split between the Soviet Union and China in the 1960s was primarily caused by the Sino-Soviet border conflict. This conflict, along with ideological differences, led to a significant rift between the two communist powers.

The major construction project that symbolized the division of East and West Berlin during the Cold War was the Berlin Wall. It was a physical barrier erected to separate the two parts of the city.

The Chinese Civil War essentially ended when major active battles ceased in 1950, with the founding of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China's retreat to Taiwan.

Stalin played a significant role in the Allied meetings during World War II. He was known for his formidable negotiating skills and often outwitted other Allied leaders, including Churchill and Roosevelt, in negotiations. His ability to secure advantageous deals for the Soviet Union was acknowledged by foreign statesmen.

Stalin dealt with his political rivals and potential threats within the Communist Party through mass purges and show trials. He conducted purges to eliminate perceived enemies and consolidate his power. These purges often involved public trials, where accused individuals were forced to confess to fabricated crimes and were subsequently punished, often through execution.

When Deng Xiaoping ordered a crackdown on the Democracy Wall protests in 1979, many underground writers were arrested, and the government suppressed the protests.

Wei Jingsheng demanded "the fifth modernization," referring to political democracy and freedom. He believed that socialism needed to allow space for individual freedoms and political participation.

The primary goal of the Democracy Wall in Beijing in 1978-79 was to demand democracy and political liberalization in China. It provided a platform for the expression of opinions critical of the Communist Party and the call for more political freedoms.

Sun Yat Sen became the President of the provisional republican government in Nanjing after the Xinhai Revolution.

The Limited Test Ban Treaty was signed in 1963 to limit nuclear weapons testing, particularly in the atmosphere. It was an important step in reducing the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The ultimate outcome of Stalin's policies on the Soviet Union was the creation of a strong industrial and military complex. Despite the hardships and human costs, Stalin's rule resulted in the rapid industrialization of the country, making it a major world power with a formidable military-industrial complex and nuclear capabilities.

Significant economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping took place during the period from 1976 to 1989, leading to a transformation of China's economy.

The student demonstration in Tiananmen Square on December 17, 1978, was triggered by the living and working conditions of young people in southern China, particularly those who had been "sent down" to the countryside for "re-education."

Mikhail Gorbachev introduced the policy of "Perestroika," which involved economic and political reforms, and it played a significant role in the fall of communism in 1989. Perestroika aimed to restructure and revitalize the Soviet economy and society.

Nikita Khrushchev was dismissed from power primarily due to the relatively poor economic growth in the early 1960s. The text mentions that economic growth had declined during his rule, and there were issues with labor productivity and capital investment. This economic stagnation and Khrushchev's failure to deliver on his promises contributed to his removal from office.

Deng Xiaoping quickly emerged as the most powerful leader in China after his reinstatement in 1977 because he had more support among the bureaucrats and army commanders than Hua Guo-feng. This support among military leaders contributed significantly to his rise to power.

The end of Nikita Khrushchev's period of relative liberalization can be traced back to the Sinyavsky–Daniel trial in 1965. This event marked a shift towards more conservative policies and the suppression of liberal reforms.

The CCP Central Committee's resolution of July 1981 was primarily aimed at condemning the Great Cultural Revolution. It criticized the harmful effects and losses caused by the Cultural Revolution in China.