Content

1. What is ” Chang and Halliday’s governing premise” in their book Mao: The Unknown Story


2. According to Chang and Halliday what leadership qualities did Mao lack How then, did he become the leader of the CCP


3. How did Mao ” reassert his authority over the Red Army base in Jiangxi”


4. Explain how Trudeau’s account of his meeting with Mao is an embarrassment.


5. What are some failings of Chang and Halliday’s book that Randy Boyagoda points out


6. What does Pierre Ryckman’s, Chinese Shadows, offer as explanation for Mao’s tyrannical reign, beyond the man himself

Extended Thinking

1. Contrast the stance of each of the books critiqued in this essay.


2. Why did Mao seek acclamation outside of China


3. Find ways which the current Communist regime is similar to Mao’s agenda.


4. ” Chairman Mao Walks All Over China”. Explain the title of this photo in two ways. First as a citizen under Mao’s regime, and second as an observer, privy to the information you are now aware of.

Critique

1. Must a tyrannical leader have permission from those he tyrannizes