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The Cultural Revolution, 1966–1976 (A-level only)

the People's Republic of China: Economic growth and the: The Cultural Revolution, 1966–1976 (A-level only)

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AqaA LevelHistory2P The Transformation of China, 1936–1997

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The Cultural Revolution, 1966–1976 (A-level only)4 objectives

The origins of the Cultural Revolution: the Shanghai radicals; Mao's aims; political divisions and the power struggle within the CCP; the purge of the party leadership and the fall of Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping.
The development of the Cultural Revolution: the actions of the Red Guards; Lin Biao and the PLA; the widening and radicalisation of campaigns; the purging of the Red Guards; the end of the campaign by 1969 and its political aftermath; the fortunes of Lin Biao, Jiang Qing and the Shanghai radicals, Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping.
The economic, social and cultural impact of the Cultural Revolution: effect on economic growth; effect on young people; the 'four olds’; anarchy, repression and rectification; censorship and cultural stagnation; Mao's 'little red book'.
Foreign affairs: deterioration of relations with USSR and border conflict of 1969; improved relations with USA; Kissinger and Nixon's visits and ping-pong diplomacy; condition of China internally and externally at Mao's death.

Red GuardsFour OldsGang of FourCultural RevolutionMao Zedong

Use primary sources effectively: When analyzing sources, pay attention to the context in which they were created and the perspective of the author.
Use specific examples: When discussing the Cultural Revolution, include specific events or figures to support your arguments.

Confusing the Cultural Revolution with the Great Leap Forward: Understand that the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962) aimed at rapid industrialization and collectivization, while the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) focused on ideological purity and purging perceived enemies within the party.
Misunderstanding the Red Guards' objectives: In reality, the Red Guards sought to eliminate traditional culture and enforce Maoist ideology, often through violent means.

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