AP World History: Modern
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🌍ap world history: modern review
8.4 Spread of Communism After 1900
Verified for the 2025 AP World History: Modern exam•Citation:MLA
The Chinese Communist Revolution
After centuries of dynastic rule, the Qing Dynasty collapsed in 1911. China entered a chaotic period of warlordism and political fragmentation. Out of this instability, two rival factions emerged:
- The Kuomintang (KMT), or Nationalist Party, led by Sun Yat-sen and later Chiang Kai-shek
- The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), led by Mao Zedong
These two groups would struggle for dominance over China for decades.
The May Fourth Movement and Early CCP Support
The May Fourth Movement (1919) was a student-led protest against foreign imperialism and the weakness of the Chinese government. This moment became a turning point:
- Fostered anti-Western, anti-imperialist sentiments
- Rejected Confucian values and embraced modern science, democracy, and Marxism
- Gave rise to intellectual support for communism and directly contributed to the CCP’s early growth
Japanese Invasion of Manchuria
In 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria, escalating to full-scale war by 1937. This event shifted internal priorities:
- The Kuomintang focused on the CCP rather than resisting Japan
- The CCP gained popular legitimacy by forming the People’s Liberation Army and actively resisting Japanese occupation
- Communists promoted literacy, peasant empowerment, and women’s rights, boosting grassroots support
By 1949, the CCP had defeated the Kuomintang, who fled to Taiwan. Mao Zedong declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
State Control: The Great Leap Forward
Once in power, Mao launched the Great Leap Forward (1958–1962), an ambitious but catastrophic campaign to industrialize China and reorganize agriculture into communes.
- Villages were grouped into massive communes for collective farming and steel production
- Backyard furnaces were built to smelt steel, diverting labor from agriculture
- Widespread falsification of crop yields led to unrealistic quotas and starvation
⭐ Result: The Great Leap Forward caused the deaths of 15–45 million people and is considered one of the worst man-made famines in history. It was abandoned in 1962.
Communism in Other Regions
While China was a major flashpoint, communism spread globally—often linked to anti-imperialist movements and postcolonial struggles.
Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh, inspired by Marxist ideals and nationalist goals, founded the Vietnamese Communist Party
- After fighting off French colonial rule, Vietnam was partitioned into:
- North Vietnam (communist)
- South Vietnam (anti-communist, U.S.-backed)
- This set the stage for the Vietnam War (1955–1975), a Cold War proxy conflict
Ethiopia
- In 1974, a Marxist-Leninist regime took over after Emperor Haile Selassie was deposed
- Mengistu Haile Mariam led the Derg, instituting:
- Nationalized industries
- Forced collectivization of farms
- Political repression known as the Red Terror
⚠️ Over half a million people died from purges, famine, and internal conflicts during Mengistu’s rule. He was ousted in 1991.
Kerala, India
- The state of Kerala became one of the first in the world to democratically elect a communist government (1957)
- Land reform included:
- Redistribution of land to poor farmers
- Elimination of feudal land ownership systems like the Zamindari
- Kerala also expanded access to education and public health
Iran’s White Revolution
Though not communist, the White Revolution (1963) under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi resembled redistributive movements:
- Land reform programs redistributed agricultural land to peasants
- Expansion of women's rights, education, and infrastructure
- Funded by oil revenues, it aimed to modernize Iran and prevent a leftist uprising
Land Reforms in Latin America
Latin America saw major efforts to address land inequality and poverty. Though not always communist, they were often shaped by socialist ideas.
| Country | Reform Goals and Actions |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Article 27 of the Constitution allowed land redistribution and ejidos (communal land). |
| Brazil | Enacted taxes on large landholdings to encourage redistribution. |
| Chile | Under Salvador Allende, promoted agrarian reform to redistribute land to peasants. |
| Cuba | After 1959, Fidel Castro nationalized industry and redistributed land under a Marxist-Leninist regime. |
📌 These reforms were often met with U.S. opposition, especially when they aligned with Soviet influence during the Cold War.
Conclusion: Causes and Consequences of Communist Expansion
Communism’s spread after 1900 was often tied to:
- Anti-colonial and nationalist movements
- Economic inequality and land concentration
- External support from the USSR or China
Its effects were varied:
- In some countries, it led to dramatic social and economic transformation
- In others, it brought widespread suffering through famine, authoritarianism, or conflict
- Globally, it triggered Cold War tensions, proxy wars, and ideological competition
Communism after 1900 must be understood as both a revolutionary ideology and a tool of state-building—shaping the trajectory of dozens of nations across the Global South.
Key Terms to Review (21)
Battle of Dien Bien Phu: The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was a decisive engagement fought between March and May 1954, where the Viet Minh forces besieged French troops in a remote valley in northern Vietnam. This battle marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina and signified a significant victory for communist forces in their struggle against colonial powers, contributing to the broader spread of communism in Asia during the mid-20th century.
Brazil Land Tax: The Brazil Land Tax was a tax system implemented in Brazil that primarily aimed to generate revenue from land ownership. This tax was significant in shaping land distribution and ownership patterns, impacting social structures and economic relations, especially during periods of social change and upheaval. As the spread of communism gained momentum in the 20th century, issues surrounding land ownership and wealth inequality became increasingly relevant in Brazil, making the land tax a focal point in discussions about social justice and reform.
Chile Peasant Farming: Chile Peasant Farming refers to the agricultural practices and socioeconomic conditions of rural farmers in Chile, particularly during the 20th century when land reform policies aimed to redistribute land to peasant communities. This farming system emerged in response to the inequalities of land ownership and was closely tied to the rise of leftist movements, including communism, as peasants sought greater rights and access to resources.
Chinese Communist Party: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China, established in 1921. It arose from a context of social upheaval and revolution, aiming to implement Marxist-Leninist principles and create a socialist society. The CCP played a crucial role in the spread of communism after 1900, particularly in Asia, as it navigated internal struggles, foreign interventions, and its eventual rise to power in 1949, influencing global communist movements.
Chinese Revolution: The Chinese Revolution refers to the series of events that led to the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. This transformation was marked by significant social, political, and economic changes, including the rise of communism in China and the influence of various revolutionary movements throughout the early 20th century.
Democratic Republic of Vietnam: The Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV), established in 1945, was a socialist state in Southeast Asia that emerged after World War II and played a key role in the spread of communism in the region. It was led by the communist party under Ho Chi Minh and sought to unify Vietnam under a communist government, challenging colonial powers and promoting revolutionary ideas that inspired other movements across Asia.
Geneva Accords: The Geneva Accords were a series of agreements reached in 1954 aimed at resolving conflicts in Indochina, particularly focusing on the division of Vietnam into North and South. These accords marked a significant moment in the Cold War context, as they established a temporary separation between communist North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam, setting the stage for future conflict as both sides vied for control over the country amidst the wider struggle between communism and democracy.
Great Leap Forward: The Great Leap Forward was an economic and social campaign initiated by the Chinese Communist Party from 1958 to 1962, aiming to transform China from an agrarian society into a socialist society through rapid industrialization and collectivization. This ambitious initiative sought to increase agricultural and industrial production, but ultimately led to widespread famine and economic disaster, highlighting the challenges of implementing communism in practice.
Ho Chi Minh: Ho Chi Minh was a Vietnamese revolutionary leader who played a crucial role in the struggle for Vietnam's independence from French colonial rule and the subsequent establishment of a communist state. His leadership significantly influenced the spread of communism in Southeast Asia and contributed to decolonization efforts around the world.
Japan's Invasion of Manchuria: Japan's Invasion of Manchuria was a military conflict that began in 1931 when the Japanese Imperial Army invaded the northeastern region of China known as Manchuria. This invasion marked a significant turning point in East Asian politics and was driven by Japan's desire for natural resources, territorial expansion, and an assertion of its power in the region, setting the stage for unresolved tensions that would later contribute to global conflicts.
Land Reform in Kerala: Land Reform in Kerala refers to the series of legislative and policy measures initiated in the late 20th century aimed at redistributing land to reduce inequality and improve agricultural productivity. This movement, influenced by communist ideologies, sought to address issues of landlessness and promote social justice, ultimately transforming the agricultural landscape and socioeconomic conditions in the region.
Mao Zedong: Mao Zedong was a Chinese communist revolutionary and founding father of the People's Republic of China, who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Chinese history. His leadership marked significant shifts in power dynamics within China and influenced global communism, leading to reforms that aimed to transform the Chinese economy and society radically.
May Fourth Movement: The May Fourth Movement was a cultural and political movement in China that emerged in 1919, fueled by student protests against the Treaty of Versailles and foreign imperialism. This movement aimed to promote nationalism, modernization, and a rejection of traditional Confucian values, laying the groundwork for the rise of new ideologies, including communism.
Mengistu Haile Mariam: Mengistu Haile Mariam was the leader of Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991, serving as a prominent figure in the Derg, a Marxist-Leninist military junta that established a socialist state in Ethiopia. His regime is significant in the context of the spread of communism after 1900, as it exemplifies how communist ideologies influenced governance in Africa during the Cold War, leading to both internal repression and international alignments.
Peasant Rebellion: Peasant rebellion refers to uprisings and revolts by the rural working class, often driven by grievances related to land, taxation, and social inequality. These movements were significant in the context of the spread of communism after 1900 as they reflected the growing discontent among the lower classes and served as catalysts for revolutionary ideas and movements that aimed to overthrow existing social and economic systems.
People's Liberation Army: The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the combined military forces of the People's Republic of China, consisting of the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, and Strategic Support Force. Established in 1927, the PLA played a vital role in the establishment and consolidation of communist rule in China, significantly contributing to the global spread of communism after 1900 through its influence in various conflicts and revolutions.
People’s Republic of China: The People's Republic of China (PRC) is a socialist state established in 1949, governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC). It emerged after a long civil war and marked the victory of communist forces over nationalist forces, fundamentally reshaping China's political landscape and its role in global affairs. The PRC has since become a major player in the spread of communism and has faced significant calls for reform in response to both domestic challenges and international pressures.
Vietnamese Communist Party: The Vietnamese Communist Party is the founding and ruling political party of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, established in 1930. It played a crucial role in the spread of communism in Southeast Asia after 1900, leading revolutionary movements against colonial powers and shaping Vietnam's political landscape through its commitment to Marxist-Leninist ideology.
White Revolution: The White Revolution, also known as the White Revolution of Iran, was a series of reforms initiated by the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in the 1960s and early 1970s aimed at modernizing the country and promoting economic development. This program included land reforms, nationalization of forests and pastures, and the promotion of literacy and health care, which were significant as they occurred in a context where communism was spreading in various parts of the world, raising concerns among leaders about potential leftist influences.
Workers' Party of Ethiopia: The Workers' Party of Ethiopia was a Marxist-Leninist political party established in 1984 that aimed to implement socialism in Ethiopia, particularly following the overthrow of the imperial regime. This party played a crucial role in the political landscape during the Derg regime, focusing on creating a one-party state and promoting communist ideologies amid a backdrop of civil war and famine in the country.
Zamindari System: The Zamindari System was a land revenue system in British India that allowed zamindars, or landowners, to collect taxes from peasants in exchange for land ownership rights. This system was characterized by the zamindars' role as intermediaries between the British colonial government and the agricultural population, often leading to exploitation of farmers. The zamindari system is significant as it contributed to the socio-economic disparities in rural India and played a role in shaping resistance movements against colonial rule, which were influenced by communist ideologies.