IB History: Mao's Cultural Revolution 1966-69

In 1966, Mao Zedong launched an aggressive campaign known as Mao’s Cultural Revolution. This campaign aimed at reaffirming the values of communist ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. This dramatic period was marked by widespread upheaval, affecting every corner of Chinese life as it targeted the “Four Olds”: old customs, culture, habits, and ideas. Understanding this era is crucial for students studying modern Chinese history and its profound societal impacts.

This lesson plan, “Mao’s Cultural Revolution”, is tailored to engage students with the foundational aspects of this pivotal period through a well-structured and thoughtfully prepared presentation. This resource is crafted to provide students with a solid grounding in the events that characterised the Cultural Revolution, supporting an environment where learning is both interactive and informative.

The lesson highlights key phases of the Cultural Revolution, from the rise of the Red Guards to the wide-reaching impacts on education, culture, and government. Through the selective use of quotations and key events, students are prompted to explore the motivations behind the revolution and its execution, which invites critical thinking and class discussions. This approach ensures that students are not overwhelmed by information but are given the necessary tools to understand and analyse the revolution’s core elements.

The plan includes activities such as mind maps and class discussions designed to enhance students’ analytical skills and encourage them to consider the long-term effects of Mao’s policies on the Chinese populace. These exercises foster a deeper engagement with the topic and help students develop a nuanced view of how history is shaped by ideology and political power.

This lesson on Mao’s Cultural Revolution offers a foundational exploration of one of the most turbulent times in Chinese history. It equips students with the critical skills and knowledge needed to understand the complexities of historical change. It provides a gateway to more advanced studies in Chinese political and social history while saving teachers time with preparation.

**Total Slides: 12
Teaching Duration: 3 hours