...It can be argued that the Sino-Soviet split of the 1960s was a result of ideological differences, with Khrushchev’s de-Stalinisation and Mao’s ‘Cultural Revolution’ leading the other to denounce the opponent’s mode of communism. Whilst the national interests between the two caused tensions and led to the realistic prospect of nuclear conflict, it was the ideological differences of the Sino-Soviet relationship that caused the events. Similarly, the personalities and rivalries of China and the USSR can be explained in the same way and whilst they certainly exacerbated the Sino-Soviet situation, the argument fails to take into account what caused the argument to exist in the first place – ideological differences. Khrushchev’s Secret Speech (1956) attacked Stalinism and the “Cult of Personality” as well as outlining Khrushchev’s aim for peaceful coexistence with the West. China, being based along Stalinist lines since the Sino-Soviet Pact (1950), interpreted the speech as an attack on them, with Mao labelling Khrushchev as a “revisionist” and accusing him of “ideological heresy”. It was, then, the Secret Speech that made the ideological differences in the relationship first visible – not only this, but the speech also generated an ideological competition over who was the true Marxist-Leninist state. In the long term, Mao’s accusations, as well as being hypocritical, gave Khrushchev an incentive to attack the Chinese form of communism directly and increasing tension not only in...
Words: 1216 - Pages: 5
...To what extent was the deterioration in Sino-Soviet relations in the years 1958–69 due to personal rivalries? The deterioration in Sino-Soviet relations between 1958-1969 is due to a number of different factorssome historians argue that conflicting personal rivalries between Mao and Khrushchev contributed to the split until 1964, however other historians argue that other factors influenced the deterioration. For example both sides were ideologically different, this can be seen as they were both pursuing different methods of achieving communism, and during many occasions they disagreed with each other. However the most significant factor causing the split was their conflicting national interests, as although without the existing personal rivalries and ideological disputes the split would not have happened, they emphasised the sheer differences between both sides. Due to these interests, there was a deterioration in Sino-Soviet relations and from then on they could never be allies. Some historians argue that the deterioration in Sino-Soviet relations between 1958-1969 was due to personal rivalries. This is because before 1953, Mao (after taking over China following the revolution in 1949) saw Stalin as the leader of the World communist movement, and promised to follow the decisions of the Soviet Union in a letter to Stalin. However when Khrushchev took over the Soviet Union in 1954, Mao believed himself to be above Khrushchev and this caused initial tension, and upon Khrushchev's...
Words: 1029 - Pages: 5
...What were the causes of the Sino-Soviet Split? P118-123 1. What was the relationship like between Stalin and Mao? * Feb 1950 Treaty of Friendship that seemed to confirm US perceptions that China was ready to do Stalin’s bidding in struggle against forces of capitalism and imperialism * Reality was to show much more complex relationship between 2 com powers * Treaty heavily favorable to USSR, reflection of relationship between 2 countries at time * USSR treated China as a junior partner in com alliance * 1 way China could improve standing in relationship was by proving loyalty to cause of world com. In this context it was to take active role in attempting to advance world com * Not easy relationship between S/M * S always cautious in providing help to CCP during civil war. To him Guomindang seemed to offer better bulwark against Jap expansion in China that occurred during 30s and WW2. As a result gave them aid * Only after CCP had taken over in Oct 49 that Stalin was prepared to place relations with M on firmer footing * Alliance with USSR was to be cornerstone of M fp. believed it was only though assistance of USSR that com CH could receive protection it needed against attack from USA and anti-com forces in CH. Also wanted help of Sov experts to ensure socialist society was developed within CH. * USSR agreed to help and Liu Shaoqi (2nd in command) visited Moscow summer 49 to start negotiations * Report to S, sov com party...
Words: 875 - Pages: 4
...with the view that the Sino Soviet Split was caused primarily by the political rivalry of Khrushchev and Mao? The Sino Soviet split occurred largely due to the ideological issues that Mao and Khrushchev had, having vastly opposite ideas on the nature of Revolutions. However, through this you largely see the clash of their personalities and how they differed vastly seen through the Soviet speech in which Khrushchev seriously offended Mao by announcing de-Stalinisation. National security was the basis of much strain as neither country felt safe mainly due to the advancement of nuclear weapons. Both countries had many attempts in order to gain stability ahead of the other such as the Korean War, where the USSR forced Mao to pay a large sum of money in order to pay back the USSR for its aid. However, this caused further rifts in the relationship. Due to the shared border of China and the USSR, territorial disputes were not unheard of however, throughout the Cold War, this became a larger issue as each wanted to assert more power. Although relations with the US was a factor involved in the split, it did little but cause tension and demonstrate the further rift that was happening between the two countries through the various meetings with presidents. Ideological differences were pivotal in the breakdown of Sino-Soviet relations as they marked a significant flaw in the relationship; this was mainly due to their idea of the Nature of a Revolution. The Soviets believed in a Worker’s...
Words: 1709 - Pages: 7
...‘Sino-Soviet relations, in the years 1958-69, were undermined primarily by conflicting national interests.’ How far do you agree with this view? Introduction It is to a large extent that Sino-Soviet relations, in the years 1958-69, were primarily undermined by conflicting national interests. This is elucidated in factors or events such as Sino-Soviet rivalry over Mongolia, Sino-Soviet border disputes such as Damansky/Chenbao (1969), China’s reaction to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968) among many others. Nevertheless, other factors such as ideological conflict for example competing Soviet and Chinese claims for the leadership of international communism, China’s negative response to Soviet de-Stalinisation, Soviet ‘peaceful coexistence’ versus Mao’s commitment to ‘continuing revolution’ at a time when China was confronting the USA among many others undermined Sino-Soviet relations. 1. Sino-Soviet rivalry over Mongolia Sino-Soviet rivalry over Mongolia. The Chinese regarded Mongolia in their own sphere of influence, yet Stalin and Khrushchev refused to reduce their ties. Despite the Chinese signing the Treaty of Friendship with the Soviet Union in 1950, the Chinese failed to get an agreement off the Soviets, promising to limit their influence in Mongolia. Obviously, this would generate tension as the Chinese disliked how their power was limited. 2. Sino-Soviet border disputes such as Damansky/Chenbao (1969) Sino-Soviet border disputes such as Damansky/Chenbao...
Words: 1086 - Pages: 5
...critically impacted the results of the conflict as well as having a decisive impact upon the implementation of policies within the United States and the Soviet Union. Qiang Zhai’s, “Beijing and the Vietnam Peace Talks, 1965-68: New Evidence from Chinese Sources,” showed how the Communist Chinese desired to continue the war in Vietnam for ideological and imperial desires, thus rebuffing any peace overture made from Western powers. Mao Lin’s, “China and the Escalation of the Vietnam War: The First Years of the Johnson Administration”, stated that there clearly was a political struggle between the Soviet Union, Communist China, and the United States in Vietnam. Lin stated that Vietnam simply was another battlefield in the Cold War struggle. Melvyn P. Leffler stated the United States in Vietnam continued to fight to save face and credibility as defender of the free world. During the 1960’s Communist China perceived itself as the defender of national liberation movement, sent aid to the North Vietnamese, and refused to allow them to discuss peace with the United States. Additionally, Communist China wanted to gain influence within Southeast Asia and stamp out any influence from the Soviet Union in addition to the United States. Ideologically driven actions taken by Communist China in Vietnam when tied with events of the Sino-Soviet split had drastic implications upon actions that were taken by the United States in Vietnam. Finally, implications of the Vietnam War touched all three major...
Words: 1673 - Pages: 7
...The Things They Carried: Enemies & Friends In both of the short stories, enemies and friends, the pressures of war twist the way that humans comport themselves around each other, causing for two men fighting on the same side to fight one another over a dull reason, because of a missing knife. O’brien shows how immaturely Jensen and Strunk act in times of war, and its because of their immaturity that causes them to act out in such an aggressive fashion towards each other. It is said that in and around the war in Vietnam the soldiers would fight each other to release tension of perhaps getting attacked by the enemy. In the story all laws and social order are left to the soldiers to decide whether it is wrong or right. If the soldiers were back in America the government to show justice and to assign guilt to the lawbreaker would punish anyone that broke the law. However, in “Enemies” Jensen and Strunk do not try to solve issues by talking it out like civilized men, they start to fight each other which shows that the social code is not in place in their dispute. Jensen thinks that Strunk will retaliate for breaking his nose in the fight they had over a stolen jackknife. Strunk on the other hand thinks that justice has been made and they are even because he did in fact steal his knife. By Strunk believing that he go what he deserved when Jensen settles the score between them shows that both men are able to take matters in to their own hands and take responsibility for their...
Words: 860 - Pages: 4
...International Research Journal of Social Sciences_____________________________________ ISSN 2319–3565 Vol. 2(8), 48-54, August (2013) Int. Res. J. Social Sci. India and China: Prospects and Challenges Mehraj Uddin Gojree Department of Political Science, Aligarh Muslim University, U.P., INDIA Available online at: www.isca.in Received 16th July 2013, revised 27th July 2013, accepted 12th August 2013 Abstract This paper seeks to assess the future prospects and challenges of the relationship between the two rising giants of Asia namely China and India. As they both are rising as great powers, their mutual relationship will have a significant impact not only on Asia, but on the whole world. At present, the nature of their relationship is something mixed i.e., growing cooperation in the field of trade and commerce along with distrust and mutual suspicions in the strategic fields whether political or geographical. For these apparent factors, the future relationship between India and China can be characterised by the cooperation in those fields whether mutual, regional or international which may be beneficial for the peaceful rise of both these states and confrontation, competition, and even hostility in some other areas where the respective interests of both the giants clash with each other, for example, the border issue, relationship with other countries particularly US and Pakistan, their encirclement policies, competition for energy resources, nuclear arms race...
Words: 5602 - Pages: 23
...or India), it is legitimate for others to worry more about the borders of some states in the very same region. A border is the very line separating two political or geographical areas, more commonly called countries. Whereas in some parts of the world, the borders between two countries are not even a marked and are seen as simple trade corridors, the issue is raised in a totally different way when it comes to both South and Central Asia. The question of borders presents a major problem for several countries, especially given all it symbolizes: the stability of a state and its legal territory, a politically controlled and delimited zone and a corridor between two nations. Were it after the end of the British Empire or that of the Soviet era, the borders keep being a matter of dispute and the cause of severe contentiousness in South and Central Asia nowadays. Drug trafficking and the circulation of energy are not the only problems. The border disputes mostly jeopardize the transnational security and the ethnical conflicts at stake. A territorial dispute is a disagreement over the possession or control of land between two or more states, or over the possession and control of land by a new state that is not always officially recognized. In a sense, border disputes are territorial disputes between neighboring countries. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the unsettling border disputes have been revealing some of the deepest imperfections of the geopolitics of South...
Words: 3412 - Pages: 14
...Eli GreenspanGVPT409HKastner05-10-2012Can India and China Rise Peacefully?India and China are two of the world’s oldest civilization-states and are now aspiring superpowers engaged in the global economy and possess expanding military capabilities.1Cultural and economic ties date back to Ancient times when the Silk Road was used as a major trade route between the two great countries. Over the course of the 20th century, relations between the two ranged from allying and friendship, to intense conflicts over border disputes.2Despite these crisis’s, the two nations have developed close economic ties that are mutually beneficial. Trade has increased dramatically over the past decade and companies form joint ventures to further ties. History shows that this has not always been the case, and the competitivenature between the two states stems from border disputes from the early 1950s to the late 1980s.3Despite gestures towards a peaceful partnership throughout the 1950s, those gestures were challenged by actions in the disputed territories. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, signed in 1954, is an example of such cooperation. However, China nor India 1Malik, Mohan. "India-China Relations: Giants Stir, Cooperate and Compete." Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (2004).2Malik, Mohan. 3 Malik, Mohan.1 followed these closely and still lead to major conflict following these meetings. Nevertheless, this agreement stated the principles as:1.Mutual respect for each other’s territorial...
Words: 2676 - Pages: 11
...Situation at the beginning of Sino-African relationship: he Sino-African relations began with the Asia-Africa conference in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955, to promote African and Asian economic coalitions and decolonization.1 The global political scenario at the time makes for an interesting read. The Cultural Revolution had ended in China in the year 1949 with the subsequent establishment of the communist government and the People's Republic of China. The Nationalist government under Chiang Kai Shek had fled to the island of Formosa (latterly known as Taiwan). The year 1950 brought the advent of the Korean War. China supported the Democratic People's Republic of Korea where communist rule was established in the year 1948. The United States on the other hand supported the Republic of Korea. The Soviet Union also entered the picture to form a trinity of communist nations. There were direct confrontations between the Chinese and the American militaries. This resulted in a lot of friction between the two countries. The Korean War ensured there was deep mistrust between the Americans and Chinese who were fighting alongside in World War II just a decade ago. This resulted in the US favouring Japan over China as a proxy to the Soviet domination of the west Pacific Rim. The US also recognized the PRC's arch rival the Republic of China (Taiwan) as the true representative of China. This situation was a huge factor, so much so that the ROC represented China in the United Nations...
Words: 486 - Pages: 2
...Foreign policy of india. When India became independent on August 15, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became her first Prime Minister. For long seventeen years (1947-1964), he remained in power and during this long period he was the central figure of India’s foreign policy making. It was Nehruji who framed and guided the Foreign Policy of India. To Pandit Nehru non-alignment was the corner stone of India’s foreign policy. He adopted this policy for various reasons, which may be divided into material and immaterial or spiritual reasons. The geographical and economic condition of India just after independence served as the material reasons for his favoring the policy of non-alignment. India’s next door neighbour on one side is People’s Republic of China and on the other is Pakistan, the arch enemy of India since her very emancipation from the British yoke. Nehru could easily realize that if India joins any of these two blocks, she would bring the rage of the other on her. It was indeed a crucial problem for the newly independent India and so he had chosen the path of non-alignment. Moreover, in order to guard her saturated post-independent economic condition India seriously needed the co-operation of both the big powers, U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. and their satellites the developed countries of Europe. Her entry into one bloc would not only make the members of the other bloc hostile to her interest but also might jeopardize her very independence. For this economic consideration India...
Words: 4269 - Pages: 18
...Gobbet 2- Khrusschev’s Secret Speech The Source is an extract of a speech given by Nikita Khrushchev at the Twentieth Party Congress of the Soviet Union on February 25th 1956. Khrushchev served as First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964, and as Chairman of the Council of Ministers, or Premier, from 1958 to 1964. Khrushchev was responsible for the partial de-Stalinization of the Soviet Union, for backing the progress of the world's early space program, and for several relatively liberal reforms in areas of domestic policy. Stalin's political heirs fought for power after his death in 1953, a struggle in which Khrushchev, after several years, emerged triumphant. In 1956, at the Twentieth Party Congress, he delivered the "Secret Speech", vilifying Stalin and ushering in a less repressive era in the USSR. The speech was delivered on the very last day of the Congress, when it was announced that an unscheduled session had been called for the Soviet delegates. Because of the obvious secrecy of the meeting, the speech would have been unknown to those outside the conference, however an Israeli Mossad agent was in secret attendance copying its contents eventually allowing Khrushchev's denouncing of Stalin to be circulated throughout Western media. Although it was not officially published in the Soviet Union until 1988. The speech itself was based on the results of a special party commission known as the Pospelov Commission which was prepared by its...
Words: 1330 - Pages: 6
...Miljanic November 3rd, 2013 The Soviet Union, now Russia, heavily influenced the second global economy. From the reconstruction of Germany to the Cold War, the Soviet Union’s actions affected the world second only to the United States. While the second global economy is loosely defined as the era between the years of 1971 and 1998, the seeds of this time period were planted shortly after the end of World War II in the European theatre. Following the fall of Nazi Germany, the United States devised the Marshall Plan to rebuild the economies of war-devastated countries. As a world power, the United States believed it was their duty to prevent another world war. The Soviet Union agreed with the sentiment, but not with the approach the western nations took. To prevent the rise of authoritarian governments, the United States promoted democracies, constitutional rule, and capitalism. The Soviet Union, an authoritarian government, advanced their communist ideas to counter the Truman Doctrine. The result of the opposing ideologies was a strained relationship between the two influencers of the modern world, and the initiation of the Cold War. The Soviet Union was focused on spreading their political ideology for one reason: Protection (Service 2). While most of the world considers the establishment of communist regimes as Soviet expansion, the Soviet Union created a buffer zone. In essence, the surrounding nations would provide more time for the Soviet Union to prepare while opposing...
Words: 2500 - Pages: 10
... Alexander II (1855-81): emancipation of the serfs; military, legal, educational, local government reforms; later reaction * policies of Alexander III (1881-94) and Nicholas II (1895-1917): backwardness and attempts at modernization nature of tsardom growth of opposition movements * significance of the Russo Japanese water: 1906 revolutions; Stolypin and the duma; the impact of the first world war (1914-18) on Russia * 1917 Revolutions: February/ March revolutions; provisional government and Dual power (soviets): October/November Bolshevik Revolution; Lenin and Trotsky * Lenin’s Russia (1917-24): consolidation of new soviet state; civil war; War communism; NEP; terror and coercion; Foreign relations * * Gorbachev and His aims/Policies (glasnost And perestroika) and (1931-1991) consequences of the soviet state * consequences of Gorbachev’s policies for Eastern European; reform movements: Poland- the role of solidarity; Czechoslovakia- the velvet revolution; fall of the Berlin wall * china: Mao (1935-1976) Conditions that produced authoritarian and single party states * emergence of leaders: aims, ideology, support * methods of force and legal used to establish authoritarian * form of government ideology establishment * nature, extent and treatment...
Words: 780 - Pages: 4