BEFORE YOU WATCH: Chinese Communist Revolution

Use the “Three Close Reads” approach as you watch the video below.

Before you watch

Before you watch the video, it’s a good idea to open and skim the video transcript. And always read the questions below so you know what to look and listen for as you watch.

While you watch

According to Francesca, what is the difference between liberal and social revolutions?
What were the two parties that, during the 1920s and 1930s, sought to lead China, and what were their goals?
According to Dr. Prasenjit Duara, what were the internal and external inspirations for the Chinese Communist Revolution?
According to Dr. Duara, how did the Chinese Communist Party’s response to the Japanese occupation help them to win the revolution?
According to Dr. Duara, can we call the Chinese Communist Revolution part of an anticolonial struggle? Why or why not?
What were the successes and failures of the revolution, according to Dr. Duara?

After you watch

Using evidence from this video, explain the causes and consequences of China’s adoption of communism.
Consider the Chinese Communist Revolution alongside the earlier revolutions you’ve encountered. Which would you label social revolutions? Which were liberal political revolutions? Which were both?
How does the Chinese Communist Revolution show the ways in which the Cold War and decolonization were intertwined?

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to watch. Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished watching.

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