Introduction
Historical Perspective
In 2012, Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), emphasized China's extensive historical evolution and the CCP's significant sacrifices since its founding.
This focus on history reflects the CCP's long-standing practice of using historical narratives to support its political ideology.
Xi highlighted China's "five thousand years and more of evolution as a civilization" and the CCP's role in overcoming hardships and modern challenges.
Historical Determinism in Communism
Communism relies on historical determinism, which suggests that societal progression towards communism is inevitable.
This belief has been used by leaders like Lenin and Mao to justify their rise to power.
Journalist Ian Johnson noted in his essay, "The presence of the past- A coda," that communism is fundamentally based on historical determinism, supporting the notion of an inevitable march towards a communist future.
Control Over Historical Narrative
The CCP has consistently controlled the historical narrative to serve its interests.
This practice is not unique to China, but the CCP's systematic approach to employing intellectuals and historians for state propaganda is notable.
The relationship between intellectuals and the state in China has deep historical roots, influencing contemporary practices.
According to Arunabh Ghosh, a historian at Harvard University, this relationship stems from a 1000-year-old tradition of employing bureaucrats through meritocratic exams.
Changing Historical Narratives
The CCP has approached its history differently at various times.
Under Mao, certain events were marginalized, while Xi has revived their significance.
For instance, the Cultural Revolution and Tiananmen Square protests are almost taboo, while leaders who fell out of favor, like Gao Gang and Liu Shaoqi, are erased from history textbooks.
The CCP's use of modern history under Xi Jinping includes a strong prohibition on "historical nihilism," a term used to describe public doubt over the CCP's portrayal of past events.
Mao Zedong's Legacy
Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China, is a complex figure in Chinese history.
Despite his controversial policies like the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, Mao remains central to the CCP's narrative.
After Mao's death, the CCP condemned his era but could not entirely dismantle his legacy due to his foundational role.
As Ian Johnson explains, Mao is both Lenin and Stalin for the CCP, making it difficult to discard his legacy without undermining the party's foundations.
The Great Leap Forward
The Great Leap Forward, initiated by Mao in 1958, was an ambitious campaign aimed at rapidly transforming China from an agrarian economy into a socialist society through rapid industrialization and collectivization.
The campaign included efforts to increase steel production and communal farming.
However, unrealistic targets, poor planning, and forced labor led to a catastrophic failure.
The campaign resulted in widespread famine, causing the deaths of an estimated 15 to 45 million people, making it one of the deadliest human-made disasters in history.
The Cultural Revolution
The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was another radical campaign initiated by Mao to reassert his control over the CCP and China.
Aimed at preserving communist ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements, the movement mobilized the youth into the Red Guards, leading to widespread chaos.
Intellectuals, perceived "counter-revolutionaries," and even party officials were persecuted.
The Cultural Revolution caused massive social, political, and economic disruption, resulting in millions of deaths, widespread persecution, and cultural destruction.
The movement left a lasting scar on Chinese society and significantly altered the country's trajectory.
Revival of Mao's Popularity
Under Xi Jinping, there has been a revival of Mao's popularity.
This shift aims to appease neo-Maoists who believe that modern China is too capitalist.
Xi's administration has repurposed Mao's image to align with contemporary political needs, reflecting a strategic use of historical figures.
The revised version of the CCP's history published in 2021 shows a reduced emphasis on the Maoist era, with significant events like the Cultural Revolution now receiving minimal mention.
Patriotic Education Campaign by Chinese Communist Party
Post-Tiananmen Square protests and the Soviet Union's disintegration, the CCP launched the Patriotic Education Campaign in the 1990s.
This campaign aimed to instill a sense of nationalism by highlighting the CCP's role in China's independence and foreign influence.
The CCP made a list of books, films, and songs to enhance the spirit of nationalism among children in primary and middle schools across the country.
Zheng Wang, a professor of diplomacy, notes that the campaign replaced the old class struggle narrative with a new "victimization narrative" that blames the West for China's suffering.
Confucian Revival
Xi Jinping has also embraced traditional Chinese culture, exemplified by his promotion of Confucianism.
Unlike Mao, who saw Confucianism as a feudal leftover, Xi has highlighted its significance, visiting Confucius' hometown and commemorating his birth anniversary.
Xi's ideological program includes a much more explicit embrace of traditional and religious imagery, integrating these elements into the party's narrative.
World War II Narrative
The CCP has utilized the narrative of World War II to bolster its claims as a global superpower.
By emphasizing China's role in defeating Japan, the CCP legitimizes its current international stance and territorial claims.
Rana Mitter's book, "China’s good war: How World War II is shaping a new nationalism," analyzes how museums, movies, and social media in China discuss the "war of resistance against Japan" to foster national identity and pride.
China's Historical Claims
The CCP uses historical narratives to justify territorial claims, such as those over the South China Sea.
These claims are often based on historical fiction rather than factual history.
Journalist Howard W. French, in his book "Everything under the heavens," notes that China's claims are rooted in a historical concept of dominion over everything under heaven (tianxia).
Conclusion
The CCP's strategic use of history serves both domestic and international purposes.
By controlling historical narratives, the party reinforces its legitimacy and advances its political goals.
This approach helps the CCP maintain control over its population while asserting its position on the global stage.
Note: In this CAPF essay, the world limit has been crossed to give you more information, you can take relevant portions as per your need. Further, we have given subheadings for your reference. When you write in the UPSC exam, you don't need to do that.
Relevance for UPSC CAPF
This article is crucial for UPSC CAPF, Assistant Commandant exam preparation as it provides insights into the use of historical narratives in political strategy, relevant for essay writing and current affairs.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for exams like UPSC CSE, CDS, NDA, SSB, AFCAT, IAS, IB ACIO, and others.
It highlights the importance of historical context in contemporary geopolitics, aiding comprehensive exam preparation.
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