CCP Resolution on History: Evaluating Mao Zedong's Legacy
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) issued a landmark Resolution to evaluate its trajectory since its founding in 1921, praising sixty years of what it termed a "glorious struggle." This document serves as a critical historical audit, balancing the achievements of the People's Republic of China (PRC) against the systemic failures of its early leadership.
The Foundations of Mao Zedong Thought
The Resolution positions Mao Zedong as the primary architect of Mao Zedong Thought, the ideological framework that guided the party before 1949. The document credits this ideology with achieving several national milestones, including the establishment of national independence and the transformation of China's social classes.
Furthermore, the Resolution highlights the success of Mao's early leadership in fostering economic self-sufficiency, expanding access to healthcare and education, and securing China's role as a leader among the nations of the Third World.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Addressing Failures and the Cultural Revolution
While affirming the general direction of the period between 1957 and 1964, the Resolution acknowledges significant setbacks. It identifies a series of major mistakes beginning in 1965, tracing these errors back to the Great Leap Forward. The document attributes these failures to Mao's "individualist tendencies," which occurred when he diverged from the collective view of the party leadership.
The Resolution specifically critiques Mao for undermining democratic centralism—the party's principle of centralized decision-making following democratic discussion—and for fostering a cult of personality in his later years.
The Role of Other Figures
The document clarifies that Mao was not solely responsible for these errors. It identifies Jiang Qing, Kang Sheng, and Lin Biao as careerists who exploited and worsened Mao's mistakes, ultimately leading to the Cultural Revolution. This period is described as ten years of turmoil characterized by the persecution of intellectuals and attacks on the CCP's own apparatus.
Despite the roles of others, the Resolution explicitly states that the "chief responsibility" for the "grave left error" of the Cultural Revolution lies with Mao Zedong, as he initiated and led the movement. Consequently, the Resolution formally rehabilitated figures such as Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Transition to Socialist Modernization
The Resolution offers a critical view of Hua Guofeng, stating he was unable to correct leftist errors or restore the party's good traditions. Instead, it identifies the third plenum of the 11th Central Committee in 1978 as a "crucial turning point of far-reaching significance." This shift is credited to Deng Xiaoping, who made the strategic decision to pivot the nation's focus toward socialist modernization.
Guiding Principles and Religious Policy
To guide the party's future, the Resolution outlines three central principles: seeking truth from facts, the mass line (a method of party leadership involving the masses), and national independence.
Regarding religion, the document mandates the continued implementation of freedom of religious belief. While believers are not required to renounce their faith, the Resolution stipulates they must not interfere with politics and education, nor engage in propaganda against Mao Zedong Thought or Marxism-Leninism.
Current Objectives and the Final Verdict
As the document concludes, it identifies the Four Modernizations and Chinese unification as the primary issues for the present. To ensure stability, it establishes the Four Cardinal Principles:
- Upholding the socialist road
- Upholding the people's democratic dictatorship
- Upholding the CCP's leadership
- Upholding the guidance of Mao Zedong Thought and Marxism–Leninism
The 70-30 Evaluation
In its final assessment of Mao's legacy, the Resolution concludes that his contributions to the revolution far outweigh his mistakes, stating that his "merits are primary and his errors secondary." While the specific "70% correct and 30% incorrect" phrasing does not appear in the text, academic Timothy Cheek notes that this interpretation evolved as the common understanding of the Resolution's point.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]| Category | Positive Assessment | Negative Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Mao Zedong | National independence, education, and healthcare expansion | Cult of personality, Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution |
| Cultural Revolution | N/A | Ten years of turmoil; persecution of intellectuals |
| Deng Xiaoping | Strategic shift to socialist modernization | N/A |
| Party Principles | Seeking truth from facts, mass line, national independence | Departure from collective leadership (individualism) |
Key Facts
- Primary Verdict: Mao's merits are considered primary and his errors secondary.
- Key Turning Point: The 1978 third plenum of the 11th Central Committee.
- Responsibility: Mao is held chiefly responsible for the Cultural Revolution, though Lin Biao and the Gang of Four are cited for committing crimes.
- Core Framework: The Four Cardinal Principles guide the party's adherence to socialism and CCP leadership.
- Rehabilitations: The Resolution formally restored the reputations of Deng Xiaoping and Liu Shaoqi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does the Resolution hold responsible for the Cultural Revolution?
The Resolution states that the chief responsibility lies with Mao Zedong, who initiated and led the movement, though it also notes that Lin Biao and the Gang of Four committed many crimes during this period.
What are the Four Cardinal Principles?
The Four Cardinal Principles are the upholding of the socialist road, the people's democratic dictatorship, the leadership of the CCP, and the guidance of Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought.
How does the Resolution view Mao Zedong's overall legacy?
It concludes that Mao's contributions to the Chinese Communist Revolution outweigh his mistakes, characterizing his merits as primary and his errors as secondary.
What was the significance of the 1978 third plenum?
It is described as a crucial turning point of far-reaching significance where Deng Xiaoping shifted the party's strategic focus toward socialist modernization.
What is the party's stance on religion according to the Resolution?
The party advocates for freedom of religious belief, provided that religious activities do not interfere with politics and education or propagate views against Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought.