Aim: How should Mao be remembered to the people of China?

Mao's personality cult proved vital in starting the Cultural Revolution. China's youth had generally been raised during the Communist era, which had taught them to idolize Mao. The youth also did not remember the immense starvation and suffering caused by Mao's Great Leap Forward, and their thoughts of Mao were generally positive. Thus, they were his greatest supporters. Their feelings for him were of such strength that many followed his urge to challenge all authority.

Little Red Book

In October 1966, Mao's Little Red Book was published In October 1966, Mao's Little Red Book was published. Party members were encouraged to carry a copy with them and having it was almost mandatory for membership. Over the years, Mao's image became displayed almost everywhere, present in homes, offices and shops. His quotations were emphasized by putting them in boldface or red type in even the most obscure writings. Music from the period emphasized Mao's stature, as did children's rhymes. The phrase "Long Live Chairman Mao for ten thousand years" was commonly heard during the era, which was traditionally a phrase reserved for the reigning Emperor.

Impact of the Cultural Revolution on China a.  Economic decline – agricultural fell – because the workers were called out so often for political rallies b.  Cultural vandalism Historic buildings, especially churches and monasteries, were burned – the Forbidden City was only saved because Zhou Enlai sent in the PLA to defend it In this Government poster, Destroy the old world; build a new world (1966), a young Red Guard crushes the crucifix, a Buddha and traditional books with his hammer c.  Education suffered Schools and colleges closed down as students abandoned their studies to travel the country as Red Guards; teachers were humiliated, beaten and made to clean the toilets d.  Cult of Mao Mao was worshipped as the infallible leader who had brought Communism to China – he was 'the red sun rising in the east'   

What should Mao’s legacy be? Summary Mao remained in undisputed control of China until his death in 1976.  After Mao's death there was a power struggle, which saw the fall of Mao's 'Gang of Four' supporters, and the restoration of Deng Xiaoping, who followed a more moderate line ... whilst retaining absolute political control. Deng, however, did not try to destroy Mao's reputation.  Instead, the Central Committee declared that Mao had been '70% right 30% wrong', and this is the official stance of the Chinese government today. What should Mao’s legacy be?

Aim????????????? "Whether a cat is black or white makes no difference. As long as it catches mice, it is a good cat."

I. Deng Xiaoping (1904-1997) Ruled China from 1977-1997.

II. Deng comes to power He was in his 70’s Originally a supporter of Mao Zedong (Great Leap Forward) After failure, Deng proposes changes to Mao—denounced as a revolutionary capitalist Death of Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai

III. What did Deng do? Promoted economic freedom and little political freedom Began to modernize China—promoted foreign trade and increased contact with the west. De-Maoization

IV. Four Modernizations Science and Technology—modernized Agriculture—modernized farming methods Industry—upgraded and expanded Defense—improved

V. Limited Privatization Got rid of communes --allowed land to be leased to farmers individually --Farmers were able to grow crops and sell for profit after delivering certain amount to the government (Known as the responsibility system)

Launched in the early 1980s, the household responsibility system was an agriculture production system, which allowed households to contract land, machinery and other facilities from collective organizations.

VI. Foreign Investment A. Encouraged foreign technology and capital—foreigners were able to own and operate business in zones set up by the government.

VII. Results of Reform Economy grew Positive Negative Economy grew Chinese enjoyed a better standard of living Foreign relations and trade improved Lack of political freedom Crime increased Corruption increased Gap between the rich and poor increased