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By the late 1960s the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) realised that Mao Zedong's policies of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution were a big mistake - NSC History - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 4
By the late 1960s the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) realised that Mao Zedong's policies of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution were a big mistake. Do... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:By the late 1960s the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) realised that Mao Zedong's policies of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution were a big mistake - NSC History - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Introduction
Answer
In the late 1960s, the Chinese Communist Party acknowledged significant failures in Mao Zedong's policies. The Great Leap Forward aimed to rapidly transform China from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse but resulted in widespread famine and economic disaster. Similarly, the Cultural Revolution, initiated to preserve communist ideology, led to social chaos and intellectual repression. These two events not only failed to achieve their objectives but were detrimental to China's political and social fabric.
Step 2
Great Leap Forward, 1958: A Major Misstep
Answer
The Great Leap Forward, launched in 1958, sought to increase agricultural and industrial production through collective farming and backyard steel furnaces. However, the reality was dire. Production figures were grossly inflated, and many initiatives, such as large communes, failed to provide enough food. Starvation claimed millions of lives, and by 1962, Mao admitted that the program was a failure, leading to a decline in his political power.
Step 3
The Cultural Revolution, 1966: Social Upheaval
Answer
Initiated in 1966, the Cultural Revolution aimed to eradicate capitalist elements from Chinese society and reinforce Mao's control. While it sought to promote socialist values, it devolved into widespread violence and chaos. The Red Guards persecuted intellectuals and perceived enemies, leading to social fragmentation and a breakdown of education and culture. This turmoil did not stabilize until Mao's death in 1976, damaging China's global standing.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, the policies of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution represented significant miscalculations by Mao Zedong and the CCP. These events did not only damage China's economy and society but also reflect a governance that was out of touch with the populace. By the late 1960s, the acknowledgment of these failures by the party itself confirms that these policies were indeed substantial mistakes.