Self-reliance

Definition

Self-reliance refers to the ability of an individual or group to depend on their own capabilities and resources rather than relying on external support or assistance. In the context of modern China, self-reliance played a significant role in various initiatives aimed at fostering independence, particularly during periods of political and economic upheaval. This approach emphasized innovation, local production, and the rejection of foreign influence, shaping policies that aimed for national strength and resilience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-reliance was a key principle during the Great Leap Forward, with policies encouraging local production and resource utilization to achieve economic goals.
2. The emphasis on self-reliance often led to the neglect of expert knowledge and skills, resulting in significant failures during agricultural and industrial campaigns.
3. During the Cultural Revolution, self-reliance was promoted as a way to resist perceived bourgeois influences and strengthen revolutionary zeal among the masses.
4. The self-reliance approach created a culture that often rejected foreign technologies and ideas, which were seen as threats to national sovereignty.
5. The consequences of self-reliance in these periods were profound, leading to widespread famine, economic disruption, and social upheaval as people struggled with untested methods and inadequate resources.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of self-reliance influence the implementation of the Great Leap Forward?
  • Self-reliance was central to the Great Leap Forward, as leaders promoted the idea that local resources and labor could drive rapid industrialization and agricultural productivity. The campaign encouraged peasants to establish communes and produce goods independently without relying on external markets or expertise. This overconfidence in self-sufficiency led to disastrous outcomes, including poor planning and execution that resulted in widespread famine and economic failure.
• In what ways did self-reliance contribute to the challenges faced during the Cultural Revolution?
  • Self-reliance during the Cultural Revolution led to a rejection of established expertise and traditional practices in favor of revolutionary ideals. This shift meant that educated individuals and intellectuals were often persecuted, which significantly hampered effective governance and policy implementation. The emphasis on self-sufficiency also resulted in chaotic efforts to promote revolutionary values, further destabilizing social structures and creating conflict within communities.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of self-reliance policies on China's development after the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution.
  • The long-term impacts of self-reliance policies have been mixed, leading to a legacy that shaped China's approach to economic development. Initially, these policies resulted in significant setbacks, such as famine and economic stagnation. However, in the decades following these events, China began to shift towards a more open economy while still retaining elements of self-reliance. This dual approach allowed for modernization while attempting to maintain control over key industries, ultimately contributing to China's rapid growth and emergence as a global economic power.

Related terms

Great Leap Forward: A campaign initiated by the Chinese Communist Party from 1958 to 1962 aimed at rapidly transforming China from an agrarian society into a socialist society through rapid industrialization and collectivization.

Cultural Revolution: A sociopolitical movement launched by Mao Zedong in 1966 with the goal of preserving communist ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society.

Collectivization: The process of consolidating individual landholdings and labor into collective farms as part of the socialist transformation in China.