ChinaTalk Land Wars: China's Agrarian Revolution
Aug 26, 2020
In this discussion, Brian DeMare, a Tulane professor and author, delves into the turbulent history of China's land reform movement. He explores how Mao's vision galvanized millions of peasants, only to result in violent outcomes. Key topics include the moral complexities faced by reformers, local power dynamics, and the influence of historical narratives on revolutionary perceptions. DeMare also sheds light on the concept of Fanshen and its broader implications, encouraging researchers to engage with the intricate legacy of agrarian struggles in China.
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Mao and Narrative
- Mao Zedong's fascination with narrative wasn't unique; storytelling is central to humanity and political change in China.
- He used narrative to argue for peasants as a revolutionary force, challenging the view of them as self-interested or backward.
The Need for Land Reform
- China needed land reform due to widespread rural poverty and the unproductive nature of landlords living off rent.
- Land reform aimed to redistribute land and involve more people in agriculture, which was initially a good idea.
Land Inheritance in China
- Unlike the West, China practiced partible inheritance, dividing land among sons, leading to social mobility.
- Wealthy families' land would be divided among heirs, making the idea of static classes less rigid.
