Cultural Revolution

Cultural Revolution- see the linked handout

Cultural Revolution Warm Ups 1. Mao Tse Tung said “All political power grows from the barrel of a gun.” COPY THIS QUOTE!!! Where do you think power comes from? (political power) How important is it to have people believe in what you’re doing (if you are a leader)?

2. Is it possible for one generation to eradicate a society’s old traditions?EXIT SLIP IN WRITING : How was the Cultural Revolution a way that Mao responded to the challenge of the West and to perceived internal and external threats? What lessons could current leaders in China gain from the Cultural Revolution?

Review & Discuss: Why did Mao believe he had to have a “Cultural Revolution” ?

What were the goals of the Communist Revolution? Discuss.

A: To 1. end Inequality, 2. end foreign domination, 3. end poverty in order to create an ideal communist state. Add to your notes.

Look for evidence of these 3 goals in the video clip.

What were the goals of the Mao’s Cultural Revolution?

A: Mao’s goals were to consolidate his power and keep the Revolution going.

VIDEO CLIP: Play track 11 on China, stop video at the auction scene

Next, you are going to watch a track (11)

Then, have a discussion CULTURAL REVOLUTION QUESTIONS

DISCUSSION

    1. EMPHASIS ON CHILDREN- WHAT DOES THAT SYMBOLIZE, what is the purpose of this?
    2. WHAT IS MEANT BY "TIME FOR THE TEACHER TO LEARN FROM THE STUDENTS?" How does this idea compare to the traditional Confucian Chinese value of the scholar? HOW COULD THIS BE important to the Revolution?

3. Why did parents fear their children? What were their family relationships like, what does this show you about the changes brought by the Cultural Revolution?

4. WHAT IS ART (music) SUPPOSED TO BE USED FOR; WHAT IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE AND WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH WESTERN ART (violin)?

5. What was the purpose of the Cultural Revolution?

Also Discuss:

    1. Is it possible to re-shape thinking and patterns?
    2. Explain why Mao would have wanted this type of constant revolution?
    3. Compare communist approach - cultural revolution values to the Confucian ideals

Read packet pages 12-19 from book Wild Swans, “Soar to Heaven, Pierce the Earth” on an author’s memories of Cultural Revolution. Finish the reading as homework as needed.