CULTURAL REVOLUTION AND GREAT LEAP

FORWARD

Great Leap Forward (1956 – 1962)

Similar to Stalin’s New Economic Policy that also ended in disaster in Communist Russia.

Mao’s plan to modernize the economy and people of China, starting in 1956. Agriculture and industry.

Mao believed that China’s citizens would work better if all were well fed. To achieve this goal, citizens were placed in communes (5000 + families) and forced to work the land.

1958 – 1960 were very poor growing seasons, and the government collected all the grain before dispersing it to the people.

Between 1950 – 1962 it is estimated that 20 million Chinese citizens died due to lack of food. Recent accounts have that number near 45 million.

Cultural Revolution (1966 – 1976)

The cultural revolution was a reaction and response to the problems facing China after the failed Great Leap Forward.

Mao urged the masses of workers, peasants, soldiers, revolutionary intellectuals to “transform the superstructure,” by refocusing China on the goals of communism.

Mao set out to eradicate (eliminate) any “enemies” of the revolution. This often meant intellectuals and college students who could derail (end) communism and socialism in China.

Cultural Revolution: Direct Actions Destruction of intellectualism by closing

many universities. Destroying ancient Chinese artifacts which

advocated for a better China in the past. Abuse on intellectuals and anyone

deemed an enemy of the revolution by the violent Red Guard.

Constant use of propaganda, Mao quotes and pro-Communism art work.

Cultural Revolution

Mao’s Little Red Book The most printed book written in the twentieth century.

During the Cultural Revolution, studying the book was not only required by school and work

Chinese citizens caught not carrying the book were usually beaten by the Red Guards.

Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong 427 quotations. 33 chapters.

Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong Serving the People: It is the duty of the cadres and the Party to serve

the people. Without the people's interests constantly at heart, their work is useless.

Unity: Unity of the masses, the Party and the whole country is essential.

Study: It is the responsibility of all to cultivate themselves, and study Marxism-Leninism deeply.

Youth: The Chinese Youth represent an active, vital force in China, to be drawn upon. .. it is necessary to educate them, and for the Youth League to give special attention to their problems and interests.

Women: Women represent a great productive force in China, and equality among the sexes is one of the goals of communism.

The Red Guard Chinese citizens and students who wore the

uniform and worked to implement the goals of the cultural revolution.

The Red Guard were considered cadres, or supporters of the revolution who the government could trust.

The Red Guard Battle Song

We are Chairman Mao's Red Guards,We steel our red hearts in great winds and waves,We arm ourselves with Mao Zedong’s thoughtTo sweep away all pests.

Propaganda Mao and the communist leaders took massive steps in

the use of propaganda to promote the communist party. 70 million speakers were placed throughout Chinese

cities playing Mao’s speeches and communist radio programs.

All propaganda was aimed at

Destroying the “Four Olds” - Old Ideas- Old Culture- Old Customs- Old Habits