Topic 4. Cultural Revolution Flashcards
Who were the leaders of China after Mao resigned?
Liu Shaoqi
Zhou Enlai
DEng Xiaoping
Why did Mao not like the new leaders of China after 1959?
Because they were introducing more capitalist reforms.
Middle-class were getting wealthier at the expense of peasants.
What did Mao do to start the revolution?
In 1966 he summoned young people to Tienanmen Square, and called for them to rise up and rid China of anti-communists.
Motives for cultural revolution
- Remove opposition
- Prevent communism being weakened
- Get rid of education and culture - as would give people the ability to think for themselves
- Keep revolution going
Who were the Red Guards during the cultural revolution?
They were loose groupings of students who embraced Cult of Mao and aims of Revolution. They were formed to struggle against teachers.
What was the attack of the Four Olds?
Old culture, Old ideas, Old customs and Old habits
What did the Red Guards attack in August 1966?
They bombarded the headquarters
How many people died by 1966?
400,000
What did the Cultural Revolution target?
Shaved western hairstyles
Smashed windows of shops selling western merchandise
Burnt bookstores, libraries, museums, art galleries, churches, temples and theatres
Stopped couples from holding hands
August 1967 British embassy stormed.
Jiang Qing’s quote against CCP politicians?
“Black dogs, slippery backsliders and rotten eggs”
How and when did Liu Shaoqi die?
- Was abused and forced to write his own confession. Died after being refused medical treatment for diabetes.
What was the Cult of Mao?
Mao worshipped as a God. Seen as a hero that saved China from foreign domination. Main element was ‘Little Red Book’, a collection of Mao’s most well-known sayings.
How many Little Red Books were printed between 1966-69?
740 million
How did Mao end the revolution?
Used PLA to restore order. Sent red guards to countryside to re-educate themselves.
Effects of Cultural Revolution
1 million people killed
Mao had supreme control over China
