Activity 1 - How did China view the world?

  1. Examine - Read this article about China’s changing foreign policy priorities throughout history then answer these questions:
    1. Why has economic development been so important to China's national security?
    2. How did China traditionally view itself and its position in relation to other outlying peoples and cultures? How is this different from its position today in a world of nation states?
    3. Consider and discuss what Mao Zedong meant when he said in 1949 that "China has stood up."
  2. Read - Now read pages 127-129 of Rogers, K., & Thomas, J. (2015). Pearson Baccalaureate: History the Cold War. What similarities and differences were there between the USSR and Mao’s CPC up to 1950?
  3. Reflect - List some of the factors and sentiments that contribute to Chinese nationalism today. Would you characterise these as "positive" or "negative," or both?

Activity 2 - How did relations evolve?

  1. Read - Read pages 129-146 of Rogers, K., & Thomas, J. (2015). Pearson Baccalaureate: History the Cold War and answer questions 1-10 in full sentences.
  2. Analyse - Using the Lesson Presentation and/or textbook above, complete this annotated timeline of Sino-Soviet Relations. For each event, make notes on what happened, before deciding where the event shows conflict or cooperation.
  3. Reflect - What were the main points of tension between the two nations? Using your own knowledge and this introduction here, summarise the top three reasons for tension between the PRC and USSR.
  4. Discuss - Was the Sino-Soviet split inevitable? What could have been done differently to have avoided it?

Activity 3 - Why did relations collapse?

  1. Analyse - Examine this Soviet source - Pravda on the Sino-Soviet Split (1967). Find three quotes that provide a perspective on Sino-Soviet relations - add to your notes showing perspectives on the Sino-Soviet Split.
  2. Review - Explore Slides 34-40 of the Lesson Presentation and make notes on the different perspectives that can be taken on why the Sino-Soviet Relationship collapsed. 
  3. Evaluate - Complete this worksheet to review the perspectives on why the Sino-Soviet relationship collapsed. For each of the four main perspectives listed below, consider the values and limitations of each argument:
    1. Ideological Differences
    2. Domestic Politics
    3. Geopolitical Rivalry
    4. Personal Differences
  4. Discuss - Why did the Sino-Soviet alliance collapse? Which perspective do you agree with the most and why?

Further Reading

OBLIGATORY READING
  1. Mamaux, A. (2015). Oxford IBDP Programme - The Cold War, pp. 112-120
RECOMMENDED READING
  1. Rogers, K., & Thomas, J. (2015). Pearson Baccalaureate: History the Cold War, pp. 127-149
SUPPLEMENTAL READING
  1. Williamson, D.G. (2015). Access to History - The Cold War, pp. 165-170
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