The Red Guards Flashcards
1
Q
What types of people became Red Guards?
A
Young people who usually came from poor and lower middle class families.
2
Q
Why did the Red Guards follow Mao?
A
- They became indoctrinated easier
- Most young people loved the idea of rising up against the rigid authority that constrained them.
- Pragmatic careerism played a part in red guards following Mao
- Students whose employment opportunities were hindered by lack of Party connections took the chance to remove senior communist from the hierarchy.
- People were peer pressured into it while others saw it as a way to make friends.
3
Q
Who were the ‘Black Elements’? How does this show this wasn’t a unifies Movement?
A
young people who came from a background of landlord and rich peasants.
Separation between red guards, the ‘black elements’ were ostracised.
4
Q
How did people show their commitment to Mao?
A
- Attacking Mao’s political opponents
- Reading the little red book
- Singing/chanting
