Les trois révolutions de la Chine : bilan de 28 ans d'édification socialiste

Abstract

The Three Revolutions of China: a 28 years Review of Socialist Edification. When Mao Tse-tung proclaimed the Republic of China in October 1949, the nation was in a deplorable economic end political situation. The communist party aimed to reorganize the country by way of a revolution that has taken place on three fronts: the political front, party efforts directed at taking over power; the economic front, directed at transforming production; the cultural front, bringing about a change in the mentality to reinforce the action taken on the political and economic fronts. The political revolution, based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism, developed and extended through the doctrine of Mao Tse-tung. This brought about dictatorship of the proletariat and the formation of a state based on democratic centralism, in which power is exercised by elected popular assemblies and the communist party. This state is founded on the principle of democratic rights, such as freedom for all people, excepting enemies such as counter-revolutionaries, who are deprived of all rights of expression. For ethnic minorities special provisions are made to safeguard the originality of their culture, while for women judicial and economic measures have been taken to enable them to a accede to a condition of equality. On the economic front, action constitutes progressive socialization of the means of production. Planned economy based on the concept of "stand on your own two feet" and "accomplish the task yourself" is geared to prevent waste and encourage a mass spirit of initiative and invention. Very satisfying results have been recorded in agriculture and industry. Although revolution on the cultural front accompanies the two other movements, it became apparent in 1966-69, when great changes were made in education, science, technology, art and literature. An effort was made to abandon previous forms and forge a culture of the proletariat which would be at once: national, taking into account the rich heritage of Chinese civilization; scientific, ridding the culture of negative elements; and created by and for the masses, and not a privileged minority. In conclusion, despite continuing difficulties, in particular regarding the choice of leaders for top authority, the net results appear to be positive: China has come out of dire poverty and become independent both politically and economically, having done away with a certain number of social evils which continue to plague richer, more developed societies.