Cold War Leaders

By: Ethan Nguyen

Mao Zedong Brief Background
- Mao Zedong rose to power as leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
through revolutionary tactics and mass mobilization.

- Born into a peasant family, Mao's commitment to Marxist ideology fueled his vision
of transforming China into a socialist state.

- Mao's leadership during the Chinese Civil War led to the victory of the communists
over nationalist forces.

- Mao's consolidation of power coincided with the onset of the Cold War, making
China a key battleground between communist and capitalist forces.

- Mao's authoritarian leadership style shaped domestic policies and foreign relations
during the Cold War era.

- Internationally, Mao's China aligned with the Soviet Union initially but later pursued
an independent foreign policy. Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong made a brief,
unexpected appearance
- Mao's support for revolutionary movements, such as the Viet Cong in Vietnam,
intensified Cold War rivalries and conflicts.
Fidel Castro Brief Background
● Fidel Castro was a Cuban revolutionary and politician
who led the Cuban Revolution, which overthrew the
authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista in 1959.
● His rise to power marked a significant event in the
Cold War as it brought a communist regime to power
just 90 miles off the coast of the United States.
● Castro's alignment with the Soviet Union heightened
tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union
during the Cold War, leading to events like the Bay of
Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
● Castro's socialist policies and nationalization of
U.S.-owned businesses led to strained relations with
the United States and the imposition of a trade
embargo, which still stands today.

The text says “Revolution is never a lie.” This

artwork visualises Castro in shining spectrum
of reverence and displaying superiority.
Castro Major Events
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 brought the world to the
brink of nuclear war when it was revealed that the Soviet
Union had placed ballistic missiles in Cuba, leading to a
tense standoff between the two superpowers. Castro's close
relationship with the Soviet Union during this crisis further
heightened tensions and solidified Cuba's role as a
communist outpost in the Western Hemisphere.

Throughout the Cold War, Castro's Cuba served as a beacon

of socialist resistance against American imperialism,
offering support to revolutionary movements across Latin
America, Africa, and beyond. This support often put Cuba at The cartoon depicts a miniature-sized Castro
odds with U.S. interests and led to various covert operations targeting the Soviet missile at a terrified ‘Uncle Sam’
and attempts to undermine Castro's government, including
(USA), while Khrushchev looks on from afar in
the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and numerous
delight.
assassination attempts against Castro himself.
Mao Major Events
1. Chinese Civil War (1946-1949): Mao's Communist Party of China (CPC) emerged
victorious over the Nationalist government led by Chiang Kai-shek. The
establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 marked the beginning of
Mao's leadership and the communist era in China.
2. Korean War (1950-1953): Mao's China intervened in the Korean War in support of
North Korea after United Nations forces, predominantly led by the United States,
pushed into North Korean territory. The conflict was a proxy war between the
communist bloc led by China and the Soviet Union, and the Western bloc led by
the United States. The war ended in a stalemate, solidifying the division between
North and South Korea along the 38th parallel.
3. Sino-Soviet Split (1960s): Mao's divergence from the Soviet Union led to the
Sino-Soviet Split, a significant event in the Cold War. Mao criticized the Soviet Political cartoon by Etta Hulme. This
leadership for deviating from true Marxism-Leninism and accused them of cartoon appeared in the Fort Worth
revisionism. This split reshaped the dynamics of the communist world and led to Star-Telegram. Uncle Sam stands in
competition between China and the Soviet Union for leadership of the global
communist movement. front of three combat helmets labeled
4. Cultural Revolution (1966-1976): Mao initiated the Cultural Revolution to purge "POW", "MIA", and "FYI".
perceived bourgeois elements within the Communist Party and society at large.
The movement resulted in widespread violence, political persecution, and social
upheaval, profoundly impacting Chinese society and politics.
Political Stances
Mao Zedong, influenced by Marxist-Leninist ideology, advocated for a class
struggle to achieve a socialist society. He emphasized the importance of
mobilizing the peasantry in revolution and promoted the idea of continuous
revolution to prevent the emergence of a capitalist class within the communist
party. Mao's political views, encapsulated in his theories of guerrilla warfare
and mass mobilization, shaped the trajectory of China's communist revolution
and led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Fidel Castro, deeply influenced by Marxist-Leninist thought and the Cuban

nationalist tradition, championed anti-imperialism and social justice. He
emphasized the importance of armed struggle and grassroots mobilization, Political cartoon by Etta Hulme. This cartoon appeared in
particularly among the rural and urban poor, in overthrowing oppressive the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Friday. The cartoon depicts
the residence of the Chairman of the Communist Party of
regimes and establishing socialist states. Castro's political stance, marked by
China, Mao Zedong. A Chinese man is holding an empty
his defiance of American hegemony and his commitment to socialist principles, cart with "Peoples Republic pick up and delivery." Another
made him a symbol of resistance against Western imperialism in Latin America Chinese man, Teng, is tied up and laying on the ground with
his belongings: suitcase, bird cage, bowl and chopsticks
and beyond.
and others.
Mao Primary Source #1
"Don't you want to abolish state power?" Yes, we do, but not right now; we cannot do it
yet. Why? Because imperialism still exists, because domestic reaction still exists, because
classes still exist in our country. Our present task is to strengthen the people's state apparatus
-- mainly the people's army, the people's police and the people's courts -- in order to
consolidate national defence and protect the people's interests. Given this condition, China
This excerpt is from Mao Zedong's essay "On the
can develop steadily, under the leadership of the working class and the Communist Party,
from an agricultural into an industrial country and from a new-democratic into a socialist and People's Democratic Dictatorship," where he outlines
communist society, can abolish classes and realize the Great Harmony. The state apparatus,
including the army, the police and the courts, is the instrument by which one class oppresses
another. It is an instrument for the oppression of antagonistic classes, it is violence and not his concept of governance in China. Mao identifies
"benevolence". "You are not benevolent!" Quite so. We definitely do not apply a policy of
benevolence to the reactionaries and towards the reactionary activities of the reactionary
classes. Our policy of benevolence is applied only within the ranks of the people, not beyond key societal classes, such as the working class and
them to the reactionaries or to the reactionary activities of reactionary classes.

The people's state protects the people. Only when the people have such a state can they
peasantry, led by the Communist Party, forming a
educate and remould themselves by democratic methods on a country-wide scale, with
everyone taking part, and shake off the influence of domestic and foreign reactionaries state. He emphasizes democracy within the people's
(which is still very strong, will survive for a long time and cannot be quickly destroyed), rid
themselves of the bad habits and ideas acquired in the old society, not allow themselves to be
led astray by the reactionaries, and continue to advance -- to advance towards a socialist and ranks while enforcing dictatorship over
communist society.

Here, the method we employ is democratic, the method of persuasion, not of

"reactionaries" like the landlord class.
compulsion. When anyone among the people breaks the law, he too should be punished,
imprisoned or even sentenced to death; but this is a matter of a few individual cases, and it
differs in principle from the dictatorship exercised over the reactionaries as a class.

ON THE PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP

#2: Serve the People (September 8, 1944)
"Our Communist Party and the Eighth Route and New Fourth Armies led by our Party are
battalions of the revolution. These battalions of ours are wholly dedicated to the
Mao Zedong highlights the
liberation of the people and work entirely in the people's interests. Comrade Chang Communist Party's dedication to the
Szu-teh was in the ranks of these battalions. people's liberation, honoring the
sacrifice of Comrade Chang Szu-teh.
All men must die, but death can vary in its significance. The ancient Chinese writer Sima
He emphasizes the Party's
Qian said, "Though death befalls all men alike, it may be weightier than Mount Tai or
willingness to acknowledge and
lighter than a feather." To die for the people is weightier than Mount Tai, but to work for
the fascists and die for the exploiters and oppressors is lighter than a feather. Comrade
correct its shortcomings for the
Chang Szu-teh died for the people, and his death is indeed weightier than Mount Tai.
people's benefit. Mao cites the
example of accepting suggestions,
If we have shortcomings, we are not afraid to have them pointed out and criticized,
even from non-Communists like Mr. Li
because we serve the people. Anyone, no matter who, may point out our shortcomings.
Tingming, to improve governance.
If he is right, we will correct them. If what he proposes will benefit the people, we will act
This reflects the Party's commitment
upon it. The idea of "better troops and simpler administration" was put forward by Mr. Li
to serving the people and continually
Tingming, who is not a Communist. He made a good suggestion which is of benefit to
the people, and we have adopted it. If, in the interests of the people, we persist in doing
striving for their betterment,
what is right and correct what is wrong, our ranks will surely thrive.
irrespective of ideological boundaries.
#3:In Memory of Norman Bethune (December 21, 1939)
Comrade Bethune's spirit, his utter devotion to others without any thought of self,
was shown in his boundless sense of responsibility in his work, and his Mao Zedong praises Comrade
Bethune's selfless spirit, highlighting
boundless warm heartedness towards all comrades and the people. Every his dedication to others and
Communist must learn from him. There are not a few people who are warm-heartedness towards comrades
and the people. Mao urges every
irresponsible in their work, preferring the light to the heavy, shoving the heavy Communist to emulate Bethune's
loads on to others and choosing the easy ones for themselves. At every turn example, contrasting it with the
irresponsible behavior of those who
they think of themselves before others. When they make some small prioritize themselves over others and
seek personal glory. He emphasizes
contribution, they swell with pride and brag about it for fear that others will not
the importance of absolute
know. They feel no warmth toward comrades and the people but are cold, selflessness, stating that anyone,
regardless of their abilities, can be
indifferent and apathetic. In fact such people are not Communists or at least valuable to the people if they possess
cannot be counted as true Communists ... this noble spirit. Mao portrays this
selflessness as a hallmark of moral
integrity and genuine worth to society.
We must learn the spirit of absolute selflessness from him. With this spirit
everyone can be very useful to the people. A man's ability may be great or small,
but if he has this spirit, he is already noble-minded and pure, a man of moral
integrity and above vulgar interests, a man who is of value to the people."
Castro #1:Fidel Castro’s Letter to Nikita Khrushchev,
Cuban Missile Crisis,October 28, 1962
This excerpt is from a letter written by Fidel Castro to Nikita
Khrushchev, the leader of the Soviet Union, during the Cuban
Missile Crisis in October 1962. In the letter, Castro expresses his
concerns about a potential U.S. aggression against Cuba, either
through an air attack or a direct invasion. He emphasizes the high
morale of the Cuban people and their readiness to resist any form
of aggression. Castro also discusses the possibility of nuclear
retaliation by the Soviet Union if Cuba is invaded, highlighting the
grave danger posed by such aggressive actions. He expresses his
hope for peace but acknowledges the need to realistically evaluate
the situation and prepare for any ordeal. The letter reflects the tense
atmosphere and the high stakes involved in the Cuban Missile
Link to excerpt: Crisis.
https://historymartinez.files.wordpress.co
m/2011/11/castro-letter-to-khruschev.doc
October 28, 1962 Letter from Fidel Castro to Khrushchev

"Dear Comrade KHRUSHCHEV,

I have just received your letter.

Our government's position on the issues you raised is laid out in our declaration made today, the text of which is certainly familiar to you.

I want to explain to you a few things concerning the measures we have taken by wayof anti-aircraft defense.
In this letter, Fidel Castro responds to
You say: "Yesterday you shot down one such plane, although you had never shot down any of them before when they flew over your territory." Nikita Khrushchev regarding the shooting
Earlier there had occurred random violations without definite military goals, so that those flights did not represent real dangers. Now it is quite a
different matter. The danger has arisen of sudden attack upon definite military targets. We have thus decided that we should not sit back with our arms folded, since
the suddenness of attack, in circumstances in which the radar system was still not operational and in which planes with impunity were flying with potentially
down of a U.S. reconnaissance plane
aggressive goals, could lead to the complete annihilation of those targets.

We believed that after our expenditures of money and effort we should not allow that to happen, and that moreover it would weaken us from the
over Cuban airspace during the Cuban
moral as well as the military point of view.

With regard to this, Cuban armed forces have on 24 October of this year mobilize from their reserves 50 anti -aircraft batteries for the defense of
Missile Crisis. Castro explains that the
these Soviet targets.

Since we did not want to run the risk of sudden attack, it was necessary to order the artillery to open fire.
Cuban government took defensive
The Soviet military leadership can provide you with additional information on how the plane was shot down. measures to protect military targets from
In the past, violations of air space have been carried out secretly, without any attempt to justify them juridically.

But yesterday the US government tried as before to find juridical justification for the right to the violation of our air space at any hour of the day or
potential attack. He emphasizes Cuba's
night. We cannot accept this, since to do so would be a renunciation of our sovereign prerogatives. However, we agree to avoid incidents, especially now, since they
could pose obstacles to negotiations. With this in mind, we will give the Cuban batteries instructions not to open fire, but only for the period in which negotiations are
being conducted, and without altering our decision, published yesterday in the press, to defend our air space.
sovereignty and opposition to airspace
At the same time we should take into account the gravity of the fact that, in the current tense situation, incidents can arise by chance.
violations, while expressing appreciation
I want to inform you as well that we are generally opposed to the inspection of our territory.

I highly appreciate the efforts you have made to maintain peace, and we are in full agreement on the necessity of fighting for this goal. If we are
for efforts to maintain peace. Castro also
successful in reaching a just, stable, and conclusive peace settlement, it will be an invaluable service to humanity.

With brotherly greetings,

agrees to avoid further incidents during
CASTRO. "
Fidel
negotiations but asserts Cuba's right to
defend its airspace.
Speech made by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz at the
UN Headquarters, US, on September 26, 1960
Here are the parts of the speech that stand out in quotes:

1. "Although it is said I make long speeches, there is no reason for you to worry. I shall do my best to be brief and state what we
see as our duty to say here."
In this speech, Commander-in-Chief Fidel
2. "Maybe some think we are very angry at the treatment given to the Cuban delegation. We are not."
Castro Ruz addressed the United Nations
3. "But, yes, we shall speak in clear terms." Headquarters in the United States on
4. "It is expensive to send a delegation to the United Nations. We underveloped countries do not have a lot of money to spend,
except for speaking clearly at this gathering of the representatives of nearly all the countries of the world."
September 26, 1960. He likely spoke about
Cuba's position and concerns on the
5. "Perhaps none of you, distinguished representatives ... you, who are not representing anybody personally but your respective
countries and thus are concerned over things which happen to each of you due to what each of you represents upon arriving at
this City of New York, has endured such a personally and physically humiliating treatment as the one endured by the head of
international stage, possibly discussing
the Cuban delegation."
issues such as the treatment of the Cuban
6. "I am not rocking the boat here in this Assembly. I am just stating facts." delegation, Cuba's relationship with the US,
7. "We thought we had the right to expect to be left alone. But, no, we were not." and broader global issues. The speech likely
8. "The Cuba problem." aimed to convey Cuba's perspective to the
9. "We do not feel embarassed for saying it because, in contrast to such shame, we are proud to be able to say that today no
international community and assert its rights
embassy is ruling our people! Our people are being ruled by the people! (APPLAUSE)"
and interests on the world stage.
10. "How can any unpopular regime which harms the interests of the people stay in power except by force?"

11. "What did the Revolution find upon attaining power in Cuba? What wonders did the Revolution find in Cuba upon attaining
power?"
 Works Cited
Works Cited

Columbia University, Asia for Educators. “Commonly Read Speeches and Writings of Mao Zedong (1927-1945) | Asia for Educators | Columbia University.” Afe.easia.columbia.edu,

afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_1900_mao_speeches.htm.

History.com Editors. “Fidel Castro.” HISTORY, A&E Television Networks, 4 Mar. 2020, www.history.com/topics/cold-war/fidel-castro.

---. “Mao Zedong.” HISTORY, A&E Television Networks, 21 Aug. 2018, www.history.com/topics/cold-war/mao-zedong.

historymartinez. “Fidel Castro’s Letter to Nikita Khrushchev, Cuban Missile Crisis,October 28, 1962 (Primary Source Document).” Historymartinez’s Blog, 24 Nov. 2011,

historymartinez.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/fidel-castros-letter-to-nikita-khrushchev-cuban-missile-crisis-1963-primary-source-document/. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Hulme, Etta. “Mao, Zedong, 1893-1976 | Etta Hulme Cartoon Archive.” Libraries.uta.edu, libraries.uta.edu/ettahulme/browse/people/mao-zedong-1893-1976. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

“Mao Zedong | Biography & Facts | Britannica.” Www.britannica.com, 23 Apr. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Mao-Zedong/The-road-to-power. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Ng, Justin. “Cuban Missile Crisis | Cartoon Analysis.” JC History Tuition, 20 Aug. 2019, www.jchistorytuition.com.sg/jc-history-tuition-notes-cuban-missile-crisis-cartoon-analysis/.

Ruz, Castro. “Speech at the UN Headquarters, US, on September 26, 1960 | FIDEL Soldier of Ideas.” Www.fidelcastro.cu, 26 Sept. 1960,

www.fidelcastro.cu/en/discursos/speech-un-headquarters-us-september-26-1960.

Stafford, M. L. “Socialist History Project.” Www.marxists.org, Oct. 1960, www.marxists.org/history//canada/socialisthistory/Docs/1961-/Cuba/CastroAtUN60.htm. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Tse-tung, Mao. “ON the PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC DICTATORSHIP.” Marxists.org, 2019, www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/volume-4/mswv4_65.htm.