4. What was the cultural revolution?

Please refer to the following readings to help complete the tasks on this page: Fairbank p. 383-405; Spence p. 590-617; Hsu p. 689-706; Lynch p. 72-105

1. What happened during the Cultural Revolution?

Lesson Objectives
To research and identify the key causes and events of the Cultural Revolution

Lesson Tasks
1. Research and make notes on the causes of the Cultural Revolution. Consider how you could categorise the different causes. What labels could you use?
2. What was the Cultural Revolution? Consider Mao's aims. Make a table or divide a large sheet of paper into 3 sections. Summarise the main aims and targets of the Cultural Revolution under three headings: 1. Struggle to remould Chinese Culture; 2. Power Struggle within the CCP; 3. Rectification Campaign
3. Research and make notes on the main events of the Cultural Revolution. Make a copy of the table below and fill it in using your research:

Phase of Cultural Revolution	Main Events	Critical Event - Turning Points?
The Opening Shots: Aug - Oct 1966
Widening & Deepening: Oct 1966-Jan 67
A Critical Moment: February 1967
Radicalisation of the CR: Feb-Aug 1967
The Final Phase: Aug 1967 to April 1969

4. The events of January and February 1967 were a turning point in the Cultural Revolution. Create a more detailed timeline of the events of these two months. Mark each event with a symbol to show whether the Cultural Revolution at this point was becoming more or less radical. Explain the steps Mao took at each stage to ensure he remained in control of events.
5. Explain why, in the early stages of the power struggle, Mao did not attack Liu and Deng directly.
6. Explain why Mao was so concerned about the Communist Party becoming bureaucratic.
7. Explain why Mao's call to arms found such an enthusiastic response among Chinese youth.
8. Explain why the Cultural Revolution was accompanied by so much violence in the years between 1966 and 1969.
9. Explain why Mao decided to restrain the Red Guards in August 1967.
10. Why were the Four Olds and Western influences selected as targets in the Cultural Revolution?

Challenge Yourself
1. Great animated 'user guide' for Mao's Little Red Book.
2. The complete works of Chairman Mao on one website!
3. A very detailed website on the Cultural Revolution.
4. Photo-essay on the Cultural Revolution with primary sources.
5. Interesting website about attacks on teachers.

2. What was the impact of the Cultural Revolution?

Lesson Objectives
To analyse and evaluate the effects of the Cultural Revolution on China

Lesson Tasks
1. Research and makes notes on the impact of the Cultural Revolution. Look at the impact on: Urban Areas, Rural Areas, Education and Young People, Cultural and Intellectual Life, the CCP. You may like to write up your notes as a table.
2. Make a copy of the following table and complete with information about different groups or individuals:

Victims of the Cultural Revolution	Beneficiaries of the Cultural Revolution	Survivors of the Cultural Revolution

3. How far was the Chinese education system damaged by the Cultural Revolution?
4. 'The Cultural Revolution had little effect on the peasants'. Explain why you agree or disagree with this view.
5. How successful was the Cultural Revolution in achieving Mao's aims for social change in China?

3. Who won the power struggle after the Cultural Revolution?

Lesson Objectives
To identify the factional rivalries in the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution and evaluate the reasons for the fall of the Gang of Four

Lesson Tasks
1. Download, read and make notes from the Lesson PowerPoint.
2. Using the PowerPoint and internet research, make a detailed timeline of events from the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1969 to Deng Xiaoping being declared 'Paramount Leader' in 78.
3. Complete this reading comprehension task on China after Mao using the relevant pages from Hsu, The Rise of Modern China.

Challenge Yourself
1. A wide selection of propaganda posters criticising the Gang of Four.