Thought Reform

What was the Thought Reform Campaign?

The Thought Reform Campaign was a campaign to remove opposition to the CCP from within China.

Who did the Thought Reform Campaign target?

The targets for the Thought Reform Campaign were intellectuals (who had foreign education), businessmen and party members who strayed from the Mao Zedong Thought.

Why was the Thought Reform Campaign introduced?

While Mao had removed the majority of GMD opposition, he still believed there was internal opposition that could cause problems for the CCP in the long term. Therefore, he planned to remove this opposition and consolidate his power.

When was the Thought Reform Campaign introduced?

The two main policies for the Thought Reform Campaign were brought out in 1951 and 1952. The policies remained in place until 1957.

What were the main policies of the Thought Reform Campaign?

There were two main policies of the Thought Reform Campaign:

• ❖ The Three-anti Campaign, 1951.
• ❖ The Five-anti Campaign, 1952.

What were the outcomes of the Thought Reform Campaign?

Both the Three and Five-anti Campaigns were highly successful. There were 4 main outcomes:

• ❖ Numerous people were denounced, with punishments ranging from fines to labour camp sentences.
• ❖ It is also estimated 3 million people committed suicide due to the embarrassment of public confessions.
• ❖ Increased support for the CCP was recorded.
• ❖ There was also a reduction in criminal activity.