Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... i
USSR (197689) ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Background ................................................................................................................................................ 1
Brezhnevs Policies .................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Brezhnev ............................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Stagnation in Industry & Agriculture ................................................................................................. 1
3. Brezhnevs Foreign Policies ............................................................................................................... 2
4. Soviet Unions Vietnam ..................................................................................................................... 2
5. Andropov & Chernenko ..................................................................................................................... 3
Gorbachevs Policies & Collapse of USSR ............................................................................................... 3
Collapse of Eastern Europe ........................................................................................................................ 4
1. Solidarity & Poland ............................................................................................................................ 4
2. GDR & Fall of Berlin Wall ................................................................................................................ 4
3. Velvet Revolution & Czechoslovakia ................................................................................................ 5
CHINA (197689) .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Power Struggle After Mao ......................................................................................................................... 5
Deng Xiaopings Rule ................................................................................................................................ 6
Urges for Political Changes ........................................................................................................................ 8

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium

IB History SL Notes (May 2014 Exam Session)

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium (2014)

INTRODUCTION
This is part of my series of detailed IB History SL notes that I took during my history course at Kungsholmens
Gymnasium. The study guide covers the topic Communism in Crisis in the IB History Syllabus. In order to make
the guide unbiased as much as possible, Ive decided to include mainly facts, and historical interpretations taken
from many different perspectives. However, be aware that the sources that I used can never be 100 percent
unbiased!
Words or phrases, which are emphasized throughout the guide, can be divided into 3 types:
-

Bold: means that the phrase is either a headline or a key terminology

Bold & Italic: means important phrases

Bold, Italic, & Underlined: means vitally important key words

This guide is not for commercial use; hence, the information presented here (in which most are taken from the
internet; and from A Comprehensive Guide to Paper 1 for the IB Diploma textbook, written by Brian Mimmack,
Daniela Senes, & Eunice Price) will not be formally referenced.
Please feel free to contact me through email (my email address is dinhsyhai@yahoo.com.vn) if you have any
questions regarding this study guide. Thank you!

Abbreviation
-

Gov: Government

Rev: Revolution

TW: Third World Countries

EE: Eastern Europe

SOC: Socialism/Socialist

COM: Communism/Communist

CAP: Capitalism/Capitalist

FRG: Federal Republic of Germany (i.e. West Germany)

GDR: German Democratic Republic (i.e. East Germany)

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium (2014)

USSR (197689)
Background
Soviet Economy prior 1976:
-

Stalin introduced concepts of 5-Year Plan which was intended to give fixed goals during 5-year period this
went hand in hand with command economy, which was successful in industrializing USSR

Stalin adopted collectivization, leading to establishment of state-farms (kolkhoz & sovkhoz) unlike Stalin,
collective farms had more control over production during Khrushchevs time

Brezhnevs policies
1. Brezhnev
-

Was a member of Presidium that replaced Khrushchev with a more collective & predictable leadership (no
leader was meant to lead both CPSU & Gov) however this didnt last long as by 1970s, Brezhnev became
leader of both CPSU & Gov

Unlike Khrushchev, Brezhnev was more conservative & predictable (like Stalin)
o

Loved honours & medals had his own cult of personality

Supported by many CPSU officials (cadre) & Nomenklatura members (Soviet ruling class) as they
wanted a quiet time after Khrushchev

2. Stagnation in Industry & Agriculture

-

After Khrushchevs radical time, Brezhnev restored central control (& 5-Year Plan) over both agriculture &
industry however, this model had only been effective if there were major goals (e.g. fighting WWII) this
was not effective during peace-time centrally planned economy had to be more flexible & efficient

Although Brezhnev tried to reduce central planning & increased size of private plots for farmers, this could not
change this long-accustomed habit from Stalins time

Reasons for stagnation in industry & agriculture:

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium (2014)

o New technology had not been developed
o Managers set low goals to make them easier to achieve; while supplies of workers were falling
o Arms race with US took huge quantities of resources
o While 1973 Oil Crisis (due to Arab-Israel War) forced the West to step up with reforms, USSR still had
plenty of oil led the Soviet leadership to postpone needed reforms

o Collective farms were too big & inefficient, while labour supply was shrinking
o Central planning & bureaucracy really slowed down progress in almost all areas

3. Brezhnevs Foreign Policies

-

Dtente began by signings of 1972 SALT I (which was reached easily as it didnt contain strategic weapons) &
human-rights agreement (1975 Helsinki Final Act)

USSR & Cuba established good relations there was also an expansion of Soviet influence into TW:
o

Military supports for COM Ethiopia during Ethiopia-Somalia War

Invasion of Afghanistan (1979) justified by Brezhnev Doctrine which stated that USSR would intervene
in areas of vital interests to Soviet security)

Military supports for Vietnam during Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia (1978) & during Vietnam-China
border war this was due to deep disagreements during Sino-Soviet Split

US showed reluctance to intervene however after invasion of Afghanistan, Carter criticized USSR of taking
advantage of dtente to expand SALT II wasnt approved by US Senate 2nd CW started!!!

4. Soviet Unions Vietnam

-

With Soviet help, a COM coup (led by Taraki) took over Afghanistan in 1978 Taraki was then overthrown
by Amin introduction of COM social reforms (e.g. collectivization & education of women), but this met
oppositions from fundamentalists & religious groups Herat uprising which killed several Soviet advisors

To avoid aggressiveness, Brezhnev ignored Amins call for help Amin now moved closer to Pakistan, PRC,
& US Brezhnev decided to intervene in Afghanistan due to:
o

Fear of Islamic fundamentalism, & of losing control of Afghanistan to PRC, Pakistan, & US intervention
to kill Amin & to protect Soviet security!

o
-

Confidence that US wouldnt intervene (after USs reluctance in TW matters , & Vietnam War)

Since it was difficult for UN to intervene (USSR had veto power) US implemented Carter Doctrine (to repel
any outside force that wanted to take control over Persian Gulf region) helping Mujahedeen (& Taliban),
boycotting 1980 Olympic in Moscow, & limiting grain sales to USSR

Reagan was determined to increase tension against USSR developed neutron bomb

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium (2014)

-

Unlike Brezhnev, Gorbachev wanted to end Afghanistan War USSR withdrew in 1986 after Geneva Accords
with US on Afghan future however, conflict only ended after Soviet collapse in 1991

Invasion of Afghanistan showed similar characteristic with Vietnam War:

o

USSR found it easier to enter than to leave

This war was very unpopular & costly as USSR had to fight against well-trained guerrilla force

5. Andropov & Chernenko

-

Brezhnev died in 1982 succeeded by Andropov & subsequently Chernenko

Andropov & Chernenko improved economy by reducing arms race with US, & tried to replace old officials
with young reformers (e.g. Gorbachev) however deaths of both marked the end of Brezhnev era

GorBachevs policies & Collapse of USSR

Perestroika I (reconstruction of economy):
-

Although SOC brought many benefits, but it was hard to see how these could be sustained Gorbachev
wanted to have some aspects of free market to boost up economy

However, he met great opposition from Nomenklatura, esp. as it meant reducing their privileges

Perestroika II (reconstruction of economy & politics):

-

Unlike his 1st trial, Gorbachev decided to replace conservative part of CPSU & allowed non-party members who
were willing to promote reforms to be elected into Gov

Some aspects of free market were now added to Soviet command economy

However, these reforms ironically led to shortages of goods miners went on strike in 1989 due to shortages
of soaps to wash themselves this was because:
o

Managers & workers were so used to a command economy failed to adapt to changes

Impossible to mix CAP & COM together

Gov & CPSU no longer played a big role in commanding the economy

Soviet-Afghan war which created huge drain on resources

Glasnost (openness more freedom & democracy):

-

Freer market led to more democracy within politics, esp. after Gorbachev allowed non-CPSU members in Gov
many nationalists were elected, who would later demanded independence from USSR

Chernobyl Incident (1986) due to inadequate safety, Chernobyl reactor melted down but wasnt immediately
closed down massive explosion with release of radioactive materials, while all info was kept secret by
Soviet Gov failure of Glasnost as people werent informed or warned

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium (2014)

-

More democracy led to more criticism of failure of COM in economy, & to a growth of other political parties
Gorbachev then allowed a multi-party system

Uskorenie (acceleration of economy) failed as this idea was like demanding a 5-Year Plan to be completed in 4!
Gorbachevs Foreign Policy:
-

Unlike previous leaders (Brezhnev, Andropov, or Chernenko), Gorbachev was prepared to create a thaw with
US withdrew troops from Afghanistan (1988), & participated in arms-reduction talks Gorbachev became
famous (only outside USSR) which made it easier for him to make reforms, which finally led to Soviet collapse

Reagan put economic pressure on USSR by forcing an arm race; but USSR was already about to collapse

Collapse of USSR was thus a combination of failure of economic policies (perestroika) & failure to respond
correctly against peoples demand for more democracy (unlike what happened in China) President Boris Yeltsin
put a ban on CPSU; Gorbachev then resigned & announced a Soviet collapse in 1991

Collapse of Eastern Europe

1. Solidarity & Poland
Changes in Poland were encouraged by:
-

Nationalism (esp. after Polish Pope John Paul II became head of Catholic Church)

Economic difficulties (conditions for workers worsened) Poland had to borrow huge loans from the West

Gorbachev declared Sinatra Doctrine which said that USSR would not interfere with EE policies

Lech Walesa formed Solidarity which demanded more democracy & economic reforms in 1981 Martial law
was declared by COM Gov to ban Solidarity & to encourage Warsaw Pact to bring in forces to restore order

However, with supports from the West & USSRs reluctance to intervene, Solidarity forced COM Gov to agree
with economic reforms a free election was held in 1989 in which Solidarity stepped into power

2. GDR & Fall of Berlin Wall

Protests in GDR were inspired by:
-

Knowledge about greatness in FRG & about Gorbachevs democratic reforms, as GDRs citizens were allowed
access to FRGs media & thus didnt suffer from COM illusion

Pollutions in GDR due to smog &

in industrial region criticisms against COM Gov, esp. after Chernobyl

Erich Honecker (COM leader) could not suppress protestors without support from Gorbachev he resigned &
lifted Berlin Wall GDRs citizens rushed through to FRG CWs symbol has now been taken down!!!

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium (2014)

3. Velvet Revolution & Czechoslovakia

Rev was inspired & caused by:
-

Helsinki Final Act & UN Declaration of Human Rights

Solidarity in Poland, Fall of Erich Honecker in GDR, Sinatra Doctrine, & Gorbachevs reforms in USSR

Charter 77 group (headed by Vclav Havel) & Plastic People of Universe rock band spread anti-COM ideas

Economic problems people wanted change similar to perestroika in USSR

Velvet Rev (Nov 1989):

-

Sparked by a rumor that a protestor had been killed by COM Gov a nationwide strike, joined by workers

As USSR didnt intervene, Jakes & Husak (Czechoslovakias COM leader) peacefully resigned

Emergence of different organized protests in Prague & Bratislava led to future break-up of Czechoslovakia

CHINA (197689)
Power Struggle After Mao
Rightist:
-

Zhou En Lai allowed peasants to form smaller communes & to farm individually supported Deng

Deng Xiaoping was temporarily removed from power after being accused of encouraging demonstrations
against Maos & Gangs policies during April-5th movement 1976 after Zhous death

Hu Yaobang & Zhao Ziyang supported protests for more democracy wore Western clothes

Kept Mao away from controlling CCP after GLF; following pragmatic policies (esp. in economy)
Leftist:
-

Gang of Four Jang Qing (Maos wife) worked on cultural restoration

Hua Goufeng he was actually more moderate than being leftist in 1976, he was practically unknown

Revolutionary; following traditional COM ideology

Maos Death (1976) & Arrest of Gang of Four
-

Gang wanted to succeed Mao after his death coup in Oct 1976 Hua decided to arrest them, esp. when
Gang had no Maos protection this was because Hua wanted to secure his position to be CCPs leader

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium (2014)

-

The Gang werent supported by workers & peasants they were also hated by old CCPs leader (esp. Deng
Xiaoping) who were victims of Cultural Revolution

Gang were expelled from CCP for their trial 4 years later such that stability could be reached before Gangs trial

Hua & Deng became CCPs leadership during Third Plenum of CCPs Congress

Winning of The Rightist:

-

CCP had been trying to condemn Chinese tradition to visit ancestors graves a campaign (April 1976)
against Deng Xiaoping & CCPs new leadership Deng was actually blamed for having encouraged
demonstrations he was forced to leave temporarily

Without Gang of Four, Hua was trying to distance himself from Mao (esp. during demystification of Mao
period) in favour of new CCPs leadership however this wasnt the same as de-Stalinization as Stalin was a
pragmatist while Mao was a big figure & was the Revolution itself

Huas Rule:
-

Decided that China should focus on industrialization

Within Poliburo, 3 power groups emerged 9 supported Deng, 9 supported Hua, & 3 supported Ye

Hua adopted Two Whatevers policy to uphold & to follow whatever instructions Mao gave not popular,
esp. to Rightist as they wanted to move away from Maoist era

Hua resigned in 1980 succeeded by Zhao Ziyang, Hu Yaobang & finally Deng

DenG XiaopinGs rule

Deng Xiaoping:
-

Wanted to separate Gov from CCP as he wanted to put in place policies which would differ from COM

Since he was still a COM he made sure that Chinas political system remained COM

Believed that SOC could only grow out of CAP China would need more free-market economy as this would
increase wealth which would eventually cause SOC

Deng criticized Lin Biao & Gang (but avoided criticizing Mao)

Like Gorbachev, Deng felt that biggest problem was bureaucracy he wanted to transform economy such that
it doesnt have to pass through a lengthy corrupted bureaucratic central planning process

10-Year Plan:
-

Hua announced this in 1978, which focused on heavy industry (steel) this was favourable when US-China
relation had been improved (after Sino-Soviet Split) which provided some capital needed for the plan

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium (2014)

-

As the original plan was too ambitious, it was modified by Deng to become Four Modernizations (agriculture,
industry, science & technology, national defence) focused on having better tech, restoring peasant plots,
more wage differentials (i.e. CAP aspects) to modernize China

To get enough capitals, Open Door Policy was launched in 1978

Agriculture:
-

Traditional methods of farming were replaced by technologies & chemicals

Household Responsibility system was introduced farmers could make private profits if they work hard in
their own given plots sharp increase in agriculture, thus allowing peasants to spend more time working in
industrial sector, which offered greater opportunities for employment & growth

Industry:
-

Attention was drawn to steel, iron, coal & oil production

Like in agriculture, Industrial Responsibility system was introduced (esp. in Sichuan Experiment) workers
& employers were allowed to make more decisions & take more responsibility for their own profits

However, many State Owned Enterprises were used to central planning, but not to the more competitive & less
secure free-market system industrial responsibility wasnt very attracted to these businesses

Progress was slow at first due to short supplies of capital but as free-market economic aspects became legal,
people became more secure which quickly increased productivity

Special Economic Zones (SEZs):

-

Included Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, Xiamen coastal cities acted like separate countries

Here, Open Door Policy brought in foreign investment, modern tech, & access to export markets Deng
believed that foreign expertise would bring biggest economic development to China

With foreign investments, China focused mostly on exports & imports of goods

Deng also limited these zones such that political & liberal western ideas wouldnt spread quickly

Also by developing SEZs, Deng hoped that Hong Kong & Taiwan would soon be brought back to China

Results of 10-Year Plan & Four Modernizations:

-

Tremendous improvements in science, tech, agriculture & industry (esp. in SEZs) GDP was raised

Open Door Policy opened China to the outside world

However, there was corruption Party members & their children had many benefits

Gap between poor & wealthy widened gaps between coastal cities (where trades were available) & poorer
rural interior there were problems with migrations

Demands grew much faster than supply, leading to inflation unemployment

There were also problems as CCP wanted CAP economic reforms without any democratic reforms

Sy Hai Dinh Kungsholmens Gymnasium (2014)

Urges for Political Changes

Causes for Peoples Demand for Political Changes:
-

Encouraged by right-wing economic development

Deng & Gov allowed pro-democratic groups & Democracy Wall (brick wall in Beijing with big characters,
which allowed people to put of posters & express their own opinions about regime) to form

However, only after Wei called for a Fifth Modernization & criticized Chinese invasion of Vietnam in 1979,
Deng was determined to not give in to democracy he arrested Wei & made Democracy Wall illegal
Student Demonstrations of 1986:
-

Students (encouraged by Reagans speech in China in 1984) demanded more democracy in political &
economic decisions Gov tried to disperse these (but not by violence)

Hu & Zhao supported student protests Hu was removed; while Zhao survived

Tiananmen Square May 1989:

-

Hu died students (later joined by workers) filled Tiananmen Square to mourn for Hu & to demand for more
democracy & to criticize corruptions within CCP hunger strike & using Goddess of Democracy as a symbol

Politburo declared martial law but didnt react until June this was partly due to Gorbachevs visit in China
which created a humiliating experience for Deng, & partly due to disagreements about what actions to take

Zhao was dismissed from Politburo due to his supports to protestors

Deng used violence to take back Tiananmen Square people were frightened by brutal suppression Deng
lost supports form people, making him unable to re-start his economic right-wing policies until 1994

However, fear of world criticisms on violence & human rights Deng & PLA tried to avoid as much violence
as possible & used censorship to hide the truth

Deng retired from his position in 1989 but remained as leader for Chinese policies he was prepared to
prevent any democracy movements in future by all means necessary (incl. execution of protestors, etc)