Term
| CASTRO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Economic Factors |
|
Definition
| Incredibly imbalanced economy, with a (typically US supported) “1%” in control of national wealth, while the majority of the rest of the population lived in poverty. The US had huge stakes in the state of the Cuban economy, greatly limiting the autonomy of the country itself and the transformation of local regions into “tourist hot-spots.” The government under Fulgencio Batista was especially interested in the support of the US, and led the charge in economic policies and decisions that only benefited foreign entities and not Cuba itself. Meanwhile, access to education and healthcare was very limited, and poverty was the status quo. Because of this strife, Castro’s revolution had a prime breeding ground to develop. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Social Division |
|
Definition
| There was a very distinct split separating the rich in urban Havana and Western Cuba and the poor in the more rural East often related to the sugar plantation industry. These poorer regions felt as though they were ignored by government policies, and had a significantly lower quality of living in comparison to the tourism and economy hub of the West, largely supported by US business exploits. Racial division was large, mainly between white Cubans and afro-Cubans, despite the latter making a sizable portion of the population; the sugar plantations fueling the Cuban economy were reliant on slavery, leading to heavy social and economic marginalization. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Impact of War |
|
Definition
| Cuban War of Independence in 1895 introduced José Martí’s ideology, who was adopted into the foundations of Fidel Castro’s persona. The Spanish-American War in 1898 increased US Prescence in Cuba immensely, and the contradiction of the Teller Amendment and the Platt Amendment heightened tension surrounding US involvement. The Platt Amendment specifically specified that the US was allowed to intervene with Cuban Affairs in the interest of “preserving independence,” and permitted the US to purchase Cuban Land for Naval Bases and Coaling Stations, like Guantánamo Bay. Because of this act, Cuba was forbidden from international relations and treaties without specific US permission. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Weakness of Political System |
|
Definition
| Before Castro, Cuba was under the control of Fulgencio Batista, following his military coup in 1952. This was seen as an illegitimate goverment, and his fleeing in 1959 solidified this fact. This US supported government was considered bad in a multitude of ways - both in relation to corruption and efficiency, and opposition was suppressed with brutality. This standard of violence, imperialism and inefficiency set the stage for the arisal of revolutionary movements, like M26. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Persuasion and Coercion |
|
Definition
| M26 - July 26 Movement: Named after the failed attack on Moncada Barracks on July 26; The attack itself was not sucessful and many revolutionaries involved were captured, but it kickstarted the revolution and set the stage to gather Castro and his movement public attention and support (pop off, castro!). Going forward, Castro continued combining his social power with guerilla tactics to break down Batista’s government. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: The Role of Leaders |
|
Definition
| Fidel Castro: The man, the myth, the legend; face of the entire movement, leader of many guerilla forces against Batista. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Use of Legal Methods; Trials for Opposition |
|
Definition
| During and after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, thousands of perceived enemies were dealt with via arrests and executions - this included former regime officials and suspected counter-revolutionaries. Private trials were held, as well as public ones, with crowds being given the decision as an ultimatum; either execute the accused now, or allow the US to kill everybody later. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Use of Legal Methods; Government Consolidation: |
|
Definition
| Post-Revolution; Fidel promised elections many times, famously repeating "[random task] now, elections later." Eventually, in 1960, Fidel finally cancelled the elections for good. In 1961, The Popular Socialist Party, who had an unsteady relationship with Castro, combined with various groups to form the Integrated Revolutionary Organizations under Castro's government. The 1976 Constitution was created, legalizing the control and policies of the now one-party state that Castro presidented. This constitution provided a large number of roles and hierarchical privileges to both Fidel and his brother, Raul. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Use of Legal Methods; Land Reform |
|
Definition
| Redistribution of land to Cuban Peasants and power deconstruction of the wealthier landowners supporting Batista's government, under the newly formed INRA in 1959. The first Agrarian Land Reform passed after his entrance to power in 1959, creating maximum land possession of 1,000 acres for estates and 3,300 for farms, as well as legalizing the government confiscation of land for distribution to lower classes and nationalizing foreign-owned land. The second land reform law in 1963 intensified these movements, nationalizing all land over 165 acres. By the mid 1960s, nearly all agricultural land was own by the Cuban State, and the region ran upon a collective farming system. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Use of Legal Methods; Nationalization |
|
Definition
| US-Owned businesses were quickly nationalized without compensation, as well as most sectors of the economy as a whole, moving Cuba as a whole towards a government-owned centrally planned economy, as opposed to capitalist. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Use of Legal Methods; Social Reform |
|
Definition
| The national literacy campaign of 1961 saw a rice from 60% to 96% in cuban literacy rates, alongside the establishment of free education and more universities and technical colleges. A Universal Healthcare System was established, with a network of community clinics and hospitals in rural areas by the 1960s, and Cuba became one of the first countries to eliminate diseases like Malaria and Polio. A social security system was also installed. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Those mass trials, with sentences of imprisonment, labor camps, and execution. Castro used a great amount of military force to suppress attempts at overthrowal and oppositional revolutions. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Charismatic Leadership |
|
Definition
| Castro had a a great deal of charisma as a leader, displaying the epitome of a revolutionary hero struggling against imperialism, injustice, and inequality. Long speeches caught the attention of wide varieties of audiences, and emotional appeals to nationalism and anti-imperialism supported the strength of his following. He was also hot and young, which probably made things even easier. (Fidel Castro Pretty Privilege Real) |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Dissemination of Propaganda: Media Control |
|
Definition
| Newspapers, radio, and tv were all used to spread revolutionary ideals and exert control over the narrative that was spread. Media outlets that had once published world-news had to insert disclaimers of truth, or Coletillas, claiming that the contents were not true or accurate to true events, and published purely for preservation of free speech. By the 1960s, all radio and TV stations were nationalized, broadcasting speeches, documentaries and reports that glorified Castro and the Cuban Revolution. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Dissemination of Propaganda: Education Control |
|
Definition
| Cuban history was taught from the perspective of the revolution, and textbooks revised to align with Castro's ideals and principles. The Young Communist League was formed in 1961, and the Pioneers in 1962, were two of the biggest youth organizations promoting socialism, revolutionary history, and spreading values of loyalty to the state and Cuban Communist Party. It is estimated that both the aformentioned party and the Pioneers collected nearly half a million members each by the year 2000. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Dissemination of Propaganda: Portrayal of Heros |
|
Definition
| Both Fidel Castro and Che Guevara became constant symbols of the revolution, with their images used to represent revolutionary struggle and immersed in Cuban Propaganda. When Guevara was assassinated in 1967, Castro glorified his name as a national martyr. |
|
|
Term
| CASTRO: Nature, Extent, and Treatment of Opposition: |
|
Definition
Opposition was very quickly repressed, with severity. A strong example of this in relation to internal dissidents was the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961, where US supported Cuban Exiles attempted a government overthrowal, with an objectively bad plan from the US. Castro knew of the plan and that it was going to fail, and made sure to be present during the invasion. This allowed him to present the event as victory of Cuban Sovereignty. He then launched a long series of purges against who he blieved to be counter revolutionaries, utilizing citizen committees to identify and suppress opposition.
Oddly enough, Castro was also known to allow the leaving of dissenters from the country, organizing things like the Camarioca Boatlifts and the Freedom Flights to transport Cubans to the US. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Economic Factors: Economic Disparities |
|
Definition
| Extreme poverty, feudal-esque exploitation in mainly rural China. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Economic Factors: Impact of Foreign Imperialism |
|
Definition
1644-1912ish was marked by foreign imperial powers (including Britain, Japan, and France) imposing "unequal treaties" that economically exploited Chinese interests, creating broad resentment towards foreign interests and powers, as well as a national feeling of humiliation.
Mao presented himself to be a "champion of anti-imperialism" and swore to remove the exploitation, which gained him a lot of brownie points among the Chinese. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Economic Factors: Economic Failures of the Nationalist Government |
|
Definition
| The Nationalist Government (KMT) had been struggling economically since their installment in 1928. This included inflation, corruption, and inadequate land reforms. Their inability to support the economy led to the outcast of many rural Chinese, a failure that would be capitalized upon by Mao and the Chinese Communist Party. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Social Divisions: Class divide between Peasants and Landlords |
|
Definition
| BIG social divide between the rich landowners and peasants oppressed and exploited by them - the latter being the majority of the Chinese population. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Social Divisions: Gender Inequality |
|
Definition
| Very limited rights for women, forced into roles of motherhood and marriage. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Social Divisions: Urban Rural Divide |
|
Definition
| This class divide extended into the geography and infrastructure; that poor majority of the country lived in rural spaces with little healthcare, education, and infrastructure, while the rich lived educated in the cities. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Impact of War: The Warlord Period (1916-1928) |
|
Definition
| China controlled by regional military leaders, controlling territories via force and alliances. Poverty, instability, and general suffering among the peasants, with the prioritization of greed and personal exploits on the warlord's end. This all created prime breeding ground for alternative ideologies. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Impact of War: The Chinese Civil War (1927-1949) |
|
Definition
| In 1927, the National Communist Party turned on and began purging their communist allies, an event called the White Terror. This inspired an uprising from Chinese Communists, led by Mao. After Japan's defeat, the war continued, based upon guerilla and popular support from peasants. The failures of the KMT as a government spread concern and suspicion about the quality of the government, while Mao continued gathering support and higher ground until the Communists won. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Impact of War: The Long March (1934-1935) |
|
Definition
| A strategic retreat during the Civil War, evading surrounding KMT forces and returning with 8,000 of the 86-100k troops. This would become a symbolic event of resilience and determination for the communists, and would highlight the leadership qualities necessary for Mao to come into power and build alliances. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Impact of War: The Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) |
|
Definition
| This war brought the opportunity for the CCP to appear stronger and more committed to fending off Japanese occupation than the actual Chinese Government, boosting the reputation and support needed to continue towards power. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Impact of War: WWII |
|
Definition
| The weakening of imperialist control over China allowed it to become a "power-vacuum," with both the CCP and the KMT asserting dominance. While not truly allied, the growing relationship with the Soviets allowed for Communism to rise in popularity in China. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Conditions in which authoritarian states emerged: Weakness of Political Systems: The May Fourth Movement (May 4, 1919) |
|
Definition
| A political, cultural, and intellectual movement by the CCP in 1919 responding the the exploitation of China by Imperial Powers during the post-WWI negotiations. Democratic revolution and nationalism was demanded, requesting a "complete overhaul of 'old' chinese society," in favor of a modernized, independent China. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Use of Persuasion and Coercion: Mao's Charismatic Leadership |
|
Definition
| Mao was a very charismatic and effect communicator, communicating a vision that would resonate deeply with the Chinese population, specifically the poorer population. His speeches preached social justice, equality, and rights for the peasants, depicting himself as a true representative of the Chinese Masses, and framing the Communist Party as the driving force behind the major change that the people wanted. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Use of Persuasion and Coercion: The "United Front" Strategy (1937-1945) |
|
Definition
| Mao made temporary alliances with other political groups, including the KMT, to fend off the japanese - then went right into undermining the KMT and continuing the Chinese Civil War after winning against Japan. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Role of Leaders: Mao Zedong |
|
Definition
| Lifelong advocate for Marxism and peasant-based revolution. Led in rural china during the civil war, gaining him support and reputation within the CCP, culminating in a leadership role during the Long March and becoming Chairman of the CCP in 1943. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Role of Leaders: Zhou Enlai and Other Key Allies: |
|
Definition
| Enlai was a respected leader in the CCP, supporting Mao's leadership and organizing alliances, military campaigns, and party unity throughout the war. He served alongside Mao throughout his time ruling PRC as Premier. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Role of Leaders: Chiang Kai-shek and Nationalist Leadership |
|
Definition
| Chiang was the leader of the Nationalist Party at the time, and embodied all of the issues present - corruption, poor governance and economic stability, and an inability to address the needs and requests of the peasants he ruled over. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Ideology Instilled: Maoism |
|
Definition
| Belief that China's revolution should be spearheaded by peasants instead of industrial workers. This appealed to a majority of the population, as that majority was peasants. This ideology also preached continuous revolution, where struggles against capitalism and "counter-revolutionary" ideas had to continue past the successful implementation of a Communist State. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Ideology Instilled: Class Struggle |
|
Definition
| Ideology believed in importances of deconstructing feudal order, removing the ruling class, and uplifting the middle and lower classes. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Ideology Instilled: Anti-imperialism and Nationalism |
|
Definition
| Lots of nationalism in his ideology, and placed himself and his party as guardians against foreign imperialism. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Use of Force: Guerrilla Warfare: |
|
Definition
| Lots of military and guerrilla strategies were used to support and expand the Communist Party - advocated for "protracted war," in which CCP would slowly exert more and more control over rural areas, while avoiding direct confrontation against stronger nationalist forces - see The Long March. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Use of Force: Suppression of Rivals via Land Reform |
|
Definition
| Advocated for overthrowing of feudal landlords by peasants, but was hindered by CCP law. As a work around, a localized CCP ordinance in the Jiangxi confiscated all land from religious institutions and feudal landlords to be redistributed to peasants. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Use of Force: Rectification Campaigns |
|
Definition
| Forced confessions, purges, and re-education efforts within the CCP to ensure pure loyalty to Mao. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Use of Force: White Terror |
|
Definition
| KMT turned on the CCP, starting the Chinese Civil War. This inciting incident included mass arrests, executions, and purges against suspected communists, and full execution of suspected KMT infiltrators and sympathizers. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Use of Propaganda: The Mao Zedong Thought |
|
Definition
| Cult of personality portraying Mao as the picture of Chinese Revolution and voice of the masses. Ideology was labeled as "Mao Zedong Thought," and became central to CCP doctrine. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Use of Propaganda: Revolutionary Rhetoric |
|
Definition
| Dissemination of Mao's writing and speeches, as well as other pamphlets and books, communicated ideological justification of CCP's goals. Discussing the importances of class struggle, armed struggle, and revolution, these pieces reinforced Mao and the CCP as liberators of China from imperialist and feudalistic chains, while undermining the value and capabilities of the KMT. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Methods used to establish authoritarian states: Use of Propaganda: The Triumph of Willpower |
|
Definition
| The Long March became a symbol of perseverance, revolution, and victory despite hardship - propaganda depicted it as a "heroic journey that demonstrated the resilience of the communist forces and Mao's leadership." |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Use of Legal Methods |
|
Definition
- Political Centralization: Used People's Republic of China and the Chinese Constitution of 1954 to centralize power under the CCP.
- Land Reform Law (1950-1953): Redistribution of land and equipment from wealthy landowners and rural religious/public institutions to peasants, accompanied by dunciation and death of many landowners and the beginning of widespread collectivization.
- The Marriage Law 1950: Promotion of gender equality and deconstruction of traditional family structures.
- Suppression of Counter-Revolutionary Activity: Legal oppression of "counter-revolutionary" people, with charges of executions and labor reforms. This included encouragement of citizen reporting and enforcement of "execution quotas" in certain areas.
- The Hundred Flowers Campaign: Encouraged people to speak freely and express their criticisms with the CCP and Mao's government. Coincedentally, this was immediately followed by the Anti-Rightist campaign. Gee, I sure wonder if those might be at all connected...
- First 5 Year Plan (1953-1957): Soviet-Style industrialization.
- Great Leap Forward (1958-1962): Rapid transition from agrarian economy towarsd industrialized socialism. This did not work! so much focus on speed caused mad shortages and agricultural economic disaster, leading to the Great Chinese Famine, the largest famine in human history.
- 2nd Five Year Plan (1958-1962): Coinciding with Great Leap Forward, pushed for speed on industrial and agricultural progression.
- 3rd Five Year Plan (1966-1970): Meant to be another 5 years of industrialization, but kind of fell apart in the midst of the Cultural Revolution.
- Cultural Revolution: Elimination of "Four Olds" - Old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas, all replaced by Mao and his ideologies, including the Little Red Book. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
- Purges and Mass Executions: It's really what the name says; big arrest and executions of anyone considered "counter-revolutionary."
- The Great Leap Forward (1958-1961): Included force and coercion to enforce collectivization and industrialization, with threats of imprisonment, forced labor, and public executions.
- The Red Guards: Mao purged high ranking party officials that could be deviating or defying his ideals, and encouraged his student militia to attack intellectuals, party officials and anyone considered "counter-revolutionary."
- Ministry of Public Security (1949): Basically Mao's police force, responsible for the maintenance of public order, enforcement of laws, and overseeing of national police forces. |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Charismatic Leadership |
|
Definition
| Mao was portrayed as the emobdiment of wisdom and moral purity, visiting rural chinese communities and preaching about the importance of peasants and peasant revolution - "for the people." |
|
|
Term
| MAO: Dissemination of Propaganda |
|
Definition
- Little Red Book: A book distributed and legally required to be carried, holding quotes from Mao's speeches and writings to promote his ideology.
- Control of Mass Media: Promotion of Mao, Workers, and Revolution plagued all media.
- Cultural Revolution Propaganda: Postrs, songs, plays, and films were all created specifically to glorify Mao, undermine his enemies, and promote the principles of his Cultural Revolution. Also, radicalization of the youth!
- Mao's Writing and Books: Different writings, mostly detailing his ideologies, were used in schools, military trainings, and everyday life to imbue the entirety of the population into his ideological structures, considered to be sacred texts that could not be questioned. |
|
|
