75 years of revolution: How China moved away from ideals of struggle for human liberation

By Harsh Thakor* 

On October 1st, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Chinese Revolution, a pivotal moment in the struggle for human liberation. From 1949 to 1976, China achieved remarkable social equality and revolutionary democracy, outpacing other developing nations in literacy, health care, agricultural output, and industrial production. 

The activities of the Communist Party of China (CPC) prior to 1949 exemplified democratic practices within a Communist framework on a scale never seen before. Edgar Snow's "China" vividly details how the CPC created authentic democratic institutions in regions like Hunan, Shanghai, and Jiangxi. The Red Army established real democracy in these base areas, empowering peasants to control production after seizing land from warlords and providing education for their children. 

In "Red Star Over China," Snow foresaw the Chinese Communist Party's eventual triumph over the Nationalist Party (KMT) by underscoring the stark inequalities that plagued rural China during the 1930s. He highlighted the deep poverty and exploitation faced by peasants, alongside the KMT's corruption and ineffectiveness, contrasting this with the CPC's vision for a new society and economy built on democratic ideals. 

American journalist Jack Belden documented how Communists risked their lives to resist Japanese invaders, earning the trust and respect of the masses. He noted that the local populace treated Communist soldiers as family, a shift from the past when the government inspired fear. This trust signified that the CPC's success was a reflection of historical choice and public support. 

The CPC seized power not only through military victory but also by addressing land reform and resonating with the people's cry for "land to the tiller." Belden observed the CPC's Directive on the Land Question, issued on May 4, 1946, which encouraged peasants to reclaim land from landlords, revealing that the CPC secured power by winning the hearts and minds of the masses. 

 Between 1949 and 1956, during the Socialist Revolution, the CPC implemented land reforms by redistributing land from landlords to peasants, marking an unprecedented agrarian revolution in the developing world. The 3-Antis and 5-Antis campaigns against corruption were executed with an intensity previously unseen.

The Great Leap Forward 

Launched in early 1958, the Great Leap Forward aimed not only for economic advancement but also to showcase a more innovative Chinese approach to development compared to the Soviet model. The initiative involved a mass steel campaign and the establishment of People's Communes, mobilizing the entire population to produce steel and collectivizing rural life. 

Edgar Snow documented the successes of a commune in North Pao An, where, starting with minimal resources, the community transformed barren land into productive territory, yielding impressive harvests. Despite significant challenges, including overzealous policies that led to chaos, many modern analysts overlook the groundwork laid during this period for the success of Chinese socialism. 

Critically, the hardships faced during the Great Leap Forward stemmed from natural disasters rather than solely policy miscalculations. Improvements in life expectancy during this era were significant, preventing countless deaths. Had China's trajectory post-1949 mirrored that of India, the death toll could have been exponentially higher. Historically, the Great Leap Forward was a necessary journey, contributing to China’s later achievements. 

While there were mistakes, Mao Zedong acknowledged his shortcomings during this time. Snow emphasized the remarkable developments in industrial and agricultural sectors driven by revolutionary zeal. 

The Cultural Revolution 

The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) sought to empower ordinary citizens and democratize Chinese society to an unprecedented degree. Experiments initiated by the CPC had profound impacts, fostering an egalitarian climate that accentuated work ethos and economic performance. Workers and peasants participated actively in management decisions, and a groundbreaking production model integrated factories with farms and schools. 

Previously unseen medical advancements occurred, and commodities became more affordable than ever before, with unemployment virtually nonexistent. The People's Liberation Army was noted for its democratic and ethical nature, assisting workers and peasants alike. Workers assumed control over production decisions, which was unparalleled previously. 

The Cultural Revolution also marked the first period where the masses actively critiqued and shaped leadership, fostering a spirit of grassroots initiatives and self-governance. Women experienced empowerment as never before, leading initiatives in villages and workplaces. Criticism of bureaucratic practices arose during mass movements, curtailing abuses of power. While the Cultural Revolution had its critics, many experts recognized its revolutionary achievements. 

Innovations in fields like medicine—exemplified by acupuncture—were lauded for their efficacy. The army’s close ties with the people exemplified a disciplined, democratic model, reducing disparities in treatment and living conditions. 

From 1949 to 1976, China exhibited noteworthy non-Chauvinism, supporting various national liberation movements while resisting interference in other countries' foreign policies. It played a significant role in Vietnam’s success against the U.S. and displayed exemplary behavior towards North Korea during the Korean War.

Challenges and setbacks

The Chinese Communist Party faced substantial setbacks, including failures to denounce the assassination of Chilean President Salvador Allende, missteps in the UN, an overemphasis on confronting Soviet imperialism, and hasty decisions during the Great Leap Forward. Persistent Confucian ideals posed challenges in uprooting traditional thinking.

Following 1978, China shifted its policies substantially, moving away from the ideals established between 1949 and 1976. Today, the country has transitioned into a major global contender, adopting expansionist military strategies and distancing itself from revolutionary movements. 

Nevertheless, in his speech commemorating the CPC's centenary, Xi Jinping did not criticize the Cultural Revolution and pledged to guide China toward a model aiming for "common prosperity," hinting at a combination of economic growth and social justice—an evolution from past capitalist models. 

The experiences of the Chinese Revolution continue to serve as a model for agrarian nations, albeit requiring adaptation to unique circumstances, particularly as urbanization reshapes societies. Current armed struggles in countries such as the Philippines, India, and Turkey reflect the ongoing influence of the Chinese Revolution's principles. 

Ultimately, the Cultural Revolution underscores the importance of ongoing revolutionary movements within socialist societies to address emerging capitalist classes. For a comprehensive and objective understanding of the Chinese Revolution, one should read the work of Edgar Snow, whose writings provide an insightful exploration of this transformative period.

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*Freelance journalist