“Land reform was the most important factor in the consolidation of the communist state (1949–1961).” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that land reform was the most important factor in the consolidation of the communist state (1949–1961). Candidates may refer to the importance of land reform to the peasantry, whose expectations had been raised by the Communist Party’s policies during the Civil War. There may be consideration of the extent of land reform, and the role of Speak Bitterness meetings in inspiring peasant support, while also destroying the landlord class. Candidates may also consider the impact of collectivisation and the establishment of communes during the Great Leap Forward. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, economic stabilization and growth (1949–1955), other campaigns of mass mobilization, gaining direct control of Tibet, surveillance, and the elimination of opponents. However, the focus will be on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that land reform was the most important factor in the consolidation of the communist state (1949-1961). This was a very popular question. Responses varied greatly in quality. There were some strong responses that demonstrated an excellent understanding of land reform and other factors that helped the CCP to consolidate their power. Some candidates demonstrated little knowledge of land reform but demonstrated a good understanding of other contributing factors. A significant number of candidates went outside the time frame of the question (1949-1961) discussing the Cultural Revolution in-depth and consequently there were large sections of responses that were not relevant to the question.