Chapter 31, Student Web Activities, The American Republic Since 1877, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 31: Asia and the Pacific, 1945–Present
"The Cultural Revolution"

Introduction
The Cultural Revolution was a massive effort to push ahead the revolutionary aims of the Communists in China. In this activity you will read about the background of the Cultural Revolution and its long-term effects on Chinese society.

Destination Title: People's Republic of China

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Directions

Start at the People's Republic of China Web site.

From the main page, click on The Cultural Revolution.
Read the article, taking notes as you read.

After you have read the material, answer the following questions.

1. What international and domestic developments convinced Mao of the need to carry out a Cultural Revolution in China?

2. What role did Mao assign the Red Guards?

3. Describe the role of Jiang Qing in the Cultural Revolution?

4. What were some of the long-term consequences of the Cultural Revolution?

5. There are some similarities and some differences between Mao's Cultural Revolution, the Stalinist purges in the Soviet Union, and the Reign of Terror following the French Revolution. On the surface, each one appeared to be an effort to reinforce the aims of the revolution that preceded it. Review your notes on the Stalinist period and the French Reign of Terror. Then, on a separate piece of paper, compile a list of similarities and differences among the three events.