On The Socialist Rural Question Of Our Country (1964) | DPRK Deep Dive

Summary

In 1962, North Korea convened a pivotal meeting to address agricultural rejuvenation, aligning it with revolutionary spirit. The video explores the 1960s publication 'Thesis on the Socialist Rural Question of Our Country,' detailing strategies for rural development and worker-peasant alliance. It outlines three phases of socialist revolution in agriculture, emphasizing technology, culture, and ideology to modernize farming and bridge urban-rural disparities, still relevant in North Korea's agricultural policy today.

Takeaways

• 🌾 The meeting in August 1962 in Chong County, North Pongan Province, focused on rejuvenating North Korea's agricultural system aligned with the spirit of revolution.
• 📜 The 'Thesis on the Socialist Rural Question of Our Country' was adopted during the 8th plenary session of the Workers' Party of Korea in February 1964.
• 🌍 The thesis emphasized strengthening the worker-peasant alliance and reducing disparities between urban and rural communities for socialist development.
• 🧱 The three phases of the Socialist Revolution: emancipating the peasantry from feudalism, ending oppression and exploitation, and eliminating distinctions between urban and rural working classes.
• 🔧 Key components of the agricultural strategy include the 'Three Revolutions'—technological, cultural, and ideological revolutions.
• 🚜 The technological revolution focuses on mechanization, electrification, and chemicalization to modernize farming and improve productivity.
• 🏫 The cultural revolution aims to improve education, healthcare, and living standards in rural areas to reduce disparities with urban populations.
• 🧠 The ideological revolution seeks to replace outdated thinking with socialist values, prioritizing collective needs over individual gain.
• 👨‍🏫 State guidance and strong management structures are considered vital for advancing both rural and urban agricultural production.
• 🏠 The thesis called for the state to fund rural infrastructure and housing, lightening the financial burden on cooperative farms and boosting farmers' living standards.

Q & A

When was the meeting held in Chong, County North P'yongan Province?

The meeting was held in August 1962.

What was the main focus of the conference in Chong, County North P'yongan Province?

The main focus was to rejuvenate the young nation's agricultural system and align it with the spirit of revolution.

What is the significance of the 'Socialist rural question of our country' thesis?

The thesis outlines a strategy to develop the rural economy and farmers' living standards in line with socialist philosophy, aiming to uplift rural communities to stand equally alongside urban working classes.

What are the three phases of the Socialist Revolution as it relates to rural regions according to the thesis?

The three phases are: 1) emancipating the peasantry from landlords and feudal systems, 2) emancipating the peasantry from all oppression and exploitation through collectivized agriculture, and 3) removing all differences between urban and rural working classes.

What are the three revolutions mentioned in the thesis, and how do they apply to agriculture?

The three revolutions are ideological, technological, and cultural. They apply to agriculture by improving the ideological base, introducing machinery and agricultural sciences, and developing a national culture alongside it.

What is the importance of irrigation in the agricultural development strategy outlined in the thesis?

Irrigation is crucial for ensuring stable harvests by managing the reliance of agriculture on climate and geographical conditions, especially in a country prone to floods and droughts like Korea.

How does the thesis propose to improve the technical development of agriculture?

The thesis proposes to improve technical development through the mechanization of collective farms, the implementation of agricultural sciences, and the electrification and chemicalization of farming practices.

What are the goals of the cultural revolution in the countryside as per the thesis?

The goals include eliminating social backwardness, raising the standard of living and education levels, training a new generation of technical cadres, and expanding healthcare services, schools, and cultural facilities in rural areas.

What is the role of the ideological revolution in the rural regions of the DPRK according to the thesis?

The ideological revolution aims to replace outdated ideas with modern, progressive ones, promoting socialism and socialist values, and encouraging a personal investment in the revolution among the rural peasantry.

How does the thesis suggest improving the management of rural areas in the DPRK?

The thesis suggests improving management by implementing new management levels, increasing farm scales, improving techniques, offering technical assistance, and educating oversight committee members in agricultural technology.

What immediate measures does the thesis propose for strengthening the economic basis of cooperative farms and improving the lives of peasants?

The thesis proposes state-funded construction of irrigation works, river improvements, pumping facilities, and rural housing, as well as the state taking over funding for major construction projects to reduce the financial burden on cooperatives.