Cultural Revolution 1966-1976

Question 1

Reasons for the CR

Answer 1

1. Transform society–>become more communist
2. Reform the CCP–> mao felt that CCP members were becoming more capitalist–>purge the party of capitalist members and purify it ideologically
3. Wanted to do away with ranks so members could no longer use their positions to get special privileges
4. Correct’ the thinking of intellectuals and professional workers–> Many intellectuals (e.g. doctors) put their work above communist ideals and the goals of the party
5. Remove Mao’s political enemies–> Put the blame for china’s troubles at the time on the capitalists in the CCP and within the gov
6. Regain prestige of the CCP and his political power –> regain his standing and respect he enjoyed prior to 1958

Question 2

CR aims

Answer 2

• CCP urged the masses to clear away from the evil habits of the old society
• launch an all-out assault on capitalists/corrupted ideals not in line with mao’s idea of communism

Question 3

Red guards

Answer 3

By 1966, many Chinese students set up red guard divisions in classrooms and campuses across the country → mayhem was in full swing
Mao’s allies urged red guards to destroy the four olds - old ideas, old customs, old habits and old culture
-There was a lot of violence

Question 4

Red guards’ effect

Answer 4

-Mao realised the CR had spiralled out of control
-Instructed millions of urban youth to be sent down to the countryside for ‘re-education
-Ordered the army to restore order → transforming China into a military dictatorship (lasted until 1971)
-Death toll soared
-In 1967, it became more violent (clashes between Red Guards, workers and the army)
-Law and order broke down
-China’s scientific and technical education suffered a tremendous setback
-Many important books and writings were destroyed;
-prominent scientists and intellectuals sent to the countryside to do hard labour + others died due at the hands of the red guards
-Schools were closed from 1966-69
‘Lost generation’ → people who were between the ages of 15-25 then, as they either had their education disrupted or missed out on the chance completely

Question 5

CR’s effect

Answer 5

• economy adversely affected
• Peasants were made to sell whatever they produced to the state and markets were not allowed in the rural areas
• Economic cooperation with western countries forbidden
• Transform china into a more socialist state
• Mao’s authority restored cus Mao’s enemies defeated
• Some opponents died from beatings in prison e.g. Liu Shaoqi. Others were sent to work in factories or on farms
• Loss of support for the CCP
• Although Mao’s influence was enhanced as a result, the CCP lost much of its prestige
• Internal fighting, number of lives lost, social destruction wrought diminished standing of the party