[Click here for an introduction on how cultural and revolutionary the Cultural Revolution was]

How would you compare the effects of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution in hindering China’s modernisation?

While both hindered China’s modernisation, it was paradoxically the Great Leap Forward that did the greater damage, though it occurred before the Cultural Revolution. The Great Leap Forward did more damage to China’s modernisation since two very damaging factors – zeal for Maoism and the belief in mass movements – remained intact, while this was no longer the case after the Cultural Revolution. Continue reading “on comparing the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution” →