China's Communist Revolution

Which response correctly identifies China's role in World War II?

• China remained neutral during the war.

• China fought for the Axis Powers.

• China fought for the Allied Powers.

Answer explanation

China fought with the victorious Allies in WWII, and the victory proved to be a costly one for China. Japan’s armies had occupied and devastated most of China’s cities. China suffered casualties second only to those of the Soviet Union and China’s civilian death toll alone was estimated to be 10-22 million people.

A civil war in China that had been put on hold during WWII continued after the war ended in 1945. Who did the United States support in China's civil war?

• The Nationalists

• The Communists

Answer explanation

The U.S., who had provided China's Nationalists with over $1 billion to fight the Japanese during WWII, continued its support by providing nearly $2 billion more in military aid during the civil war.

Who led the Communists in China?

• Joseph Stalin

• Mao Zedong

• Douglas MacArthur

• Emperor Hirohito

Answer explanation

In 1949, Mao gained control of China and proclaimed it the People’s Republic of China (PRC). He led the PRC as the chairman of the Chinese Communist Party from its establishment until his death in 1976.

Where did the United States help the Nationalists establish a government following the Communist takeover?

• Japan

• Taiwan

• Manchuria

• Korea

Answer explanation

After Nationalist leaders fled to Taiwan, the U.S. helped them set up a Nationalist government. It was called the Republic of China.

Did the Soviet Union give financial and military aid to Mao's People's Republic of China or Taiwan's Republic of China?

• Mao's China

• Taiwan

Answer explanation

The Soviets gave aid to Communist China. In addition, the Chinese and the Soviets pledged to come to each other’s defense if either was attacked. (Later, the countries' relationship would sour.)

Proclaimed by Mao, what were the results of China's economic plan known as the Great Leap Forward?

• It was a massive failure and ended after three years of crop failures that caused a famine and killed about 20 million people.

• It was a great success.

Answer explanation

Mao's five-year-plan succeeded in increasing industrial output in China. To continue industrialization, Mao's Great Leap Forward called called for even larger communes (communal farms), but resulted in crop failures, a famine, and millions of deaths.

Who were the Red Guards?

• Mao's personal bodyguards

• Young people who pledged their devotion to Mao and China's Cultural Revolution

• Japan's invading army

• Soviet border patrol

Answer explanation

The Cultural Revolution sought to re-establish Mao's ideals. Millions roamed China, causing widespread chaos – destroying buildings, shutting down colleges and schools, and beating and even killing Mao’s alleged enemies. They lashed out at professors, government officials, factory managers, and even parents.

What was listed in China's Little Red Book?

• Maps of China's communes so that Chinese citizens wouldn't get lost

• Chinese laws

• Quotes from Mao that explained the ideology of the Chinese Communist Party

• Maps of surrounding countries that China wanted to spread communism to

Answer explanation

Mao's Little Red Book is an icon of China and communism as well as a work of propaganda. More than a billion copies have been published, making the book, one of the most widely produced of all time. During China's "Cultural Revolution" it became virtually mandatory to own and carry one.