freedom of expression to those who might wish to comment constructively on how well Communist China was achieving its aim of turning the nation into a proletarian state
Hundred Flowers campaign was replaced by an anti rightist movement; those who had been foremost in responding to the campaign were now forced to retract their statements
Zhou Enlai was obliged to make a humiliating self-criticism in front of the party gathering (Mao showing that nobody no matter how prominent his position was beyond investigation and criticism)
Differing Opinions on the Hundred Flowers Campaign
Lee Feigon: Mao was genuinely seeking criticism
Mao was genuine in his original appeal but was not tolerant
Jonathan Spence argues that the campaign was a result of contradictory thinking among the CCP leaders; muddle inconclusive movement from the conflicting attitudes within the CCP leadership
Jung Chang argues that Mao's reversed policy was proof that the campaign was a trick
A deliberate a manoeuvre by Mao to bring his critics into the open so they could be easily exposed, identified and removed.
- Mao invites criticism:
- freedom of expression to those who might wish to comment constructively on how well Communist China was achieving its aim of turning the nation into a proletarian state
- Hundred Flowers campaign was replaced by an anti rightist movement; those who had been foremost in responding to the campaign were now forced to retract their statements
- Zhou Enlai was obliged to make a humiliating self-criticism in front of the party gathering (Mao showing that nobody no matter how prominent his position was beyond investigation and criticism)
Differing Opinions on the Hundred Flowers Campaign