Great Leap Forward: Key Concepts

The Great Leap Forward was a campaign launched by Mao Zedong to rapidly industrialize China from 1958 to 1961. It aimed to transform China's agrarian economy into a socialist society through collectivization and industrialization. However, the policy led to disastrous consequences, including widespread famine and the deaths of millions. The failure was due to unrealistic production targets, mismanagement, and natural disasters. The aftermath saw Mao's political influence diminish, setting the stage for the Cultural Revolution.

What was the primary goal of the Great Leap Forward?

• To improve agricultural techniques

• To reduce population growth

• To industrialize China rapidly

• To increase foreign trade

What does collectivization refer to in the context of the Great Leap Forward?

• The merging of individual farms into communes

• The privatization of land

• The introduction of new farming technologies

• The reduction of agricultural taxes

How did collectivization affect Chinese peasants?

• It provided them with new farming tools

• It forced them into large communes

• It reduced their workload

• It increased their land ownership

What was the state of China's economy before the Great Leap Forward?

• Highly industrialized

• Based on agriculture and peasant farming

• Focused on technology and innovation

• Dependent on foreign aid

What unrealistic targets were set by the Communist Party during the Great Leap Forward?

• Reduction of population growth

• Development of new technologies

• Export of agricultural products

• Production of steel and other necessities

What was one of the major consequences of the Great Leap Forward?

• Widespread famine

• Economic prosperity

• Increased foreign trade

• Technological advancement

How many people were estimated to have died during the Great Leap Forward?

• 50-60 million

• 20-25 million

• 10-15 million

• 36-45 million

What natural disasters exacerbated the Great Chinese Famine?

• Earthquakes and tsunamis

• Typhoons and flooding

• Volcanic eruptions

• Droughts and wildfires

What was the fate of Mao Zedong after the failure of the Great Leap Forward?

• He retired from politics

• He left China

• He resigned as Head of State

• He was promoted

What major event did Mao Zedong plan after his marginalization in the Communist Party?

• The Sino-Soviet Split

• The Korean War

• The Cultural Revolution

• The Long March