The Ideological Split: A Deepening Divide
The Roots of the Split
- Stalin's Legacy: Stalin's authoritarian rule and focus on state-controlled industrialization clashed with Mao's vision of a peasant-led revolution.
- Mao's Ambitions: Mao sought equality with the Soviet Union, rejecting the role of a junior partner.
Despite superficial unity, tensions simmered beneath the surface, foreshadowing the eventual rupture.
The Impact of De-Stalinization
- Khrushchev's Secret Speech: In 1956, Khrushchev denounced Stalin's cult of personality, shocking the communist world.
- Mao's Reaction: Mao viewed this as a threat to his own leadership, deepening the ideological rift.
Mao's Great Leap Forward (1958) aimed to surpass Soviet industrialization by mobilizing the masses, but it led to widespread famine.
The Taiwan Strait Crises
- First Crisis (1954-1955):
- Mao bombarded the islands of Quemoy and Matsu, provoking a U.S. response.
- Khrushchev urged restraint, frustrating Mao.
- Second Crisis (1958):
- Mao renewed the bombardment to assert Chinese independence.
- The Soviets refused to support military action, widening the divide.
