Oklahoma Academic Standard 5. The student will evaluate post World War II regional events leading to the transformations of the modern world (1945-1990 CE).

Objective 5.3  Analyze the major developments in Chinese history during the second half of the 20th century including the 

  A. Chinese Civil War and the Communist Revolution in China

  B. rise of  Mao Zedong and the political, social, and economic upheavals under his leadership

  C. student protests of Tiananmen Square 

  D. economic reforms under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping. 

In a Nutshell

Events in Chinese history since World War II have made China a world power both economically and militarily despite social and political turmoil under Mao Zedong. Students should develop an understanding that this period in Chinese history centers around the movement from an authoritarian totalitarian regime to a more open society.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Provide student opportunities to analyze the complex and interacting factors including the roles of nationalism and communism that influenced the perspectives of Mao Zedong and the Chinese people during different historical eras including the Chinese Revolution and the rise of communism in China. 

• Facilitate students to evaluate the extent to which historical, cultural, and/or global perspectives affected Mao Zedong’s writings by evaluating an author’s state or implied  purpose.

• Evaluate the impact of government policies, specifically Deng Xiaoping's economic policies and reforms, on market outcomes at national and global  levels, past and present.

• Assess the significance and impact of individuals and groups, such as student protest groups in Tiananmen Square, tracing the continuity of past events to the present.

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• Chiang Kai-shek, Mao Zedong; nationalists purge of political opponents, exiled government of Taiwan; appeal to peasant class

• policies and practices of Chinese communists system, including communal lands, "one-child" policy, Red Guard, repression on individual rights and liberties

• Chinese industrial revolution; growth of cottage industries and privatization of small businesses  

• Some students may possess the misconception that Chinese history is a series of isolated events rather than recognize the global impact of China throughout world history. 

Instructional Resources