Mao Zedong and Modern China

Mao Zedong, the founding father of modern China, transformed the nation into a world power but at a great human cost. His policies, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, led to significant social and economic changes, as well as widespread suffering. Mao's leadership saw improvements in literacy and healthcare, but also resulted in famine and political purges. His complex legacy includes both modernization efforts and authoritarian control, leaving a lasting impact on China's history.

What was the main reason Mao Zedong moved out of his family home at the age of 14?

• To travel abroad

• To start a business

• To protest an arranged marriage

• To join the military

Which event marked the beginning of the Chinese Civil War?

• The signing of the Sino-Soviet Treaty

• The Japanese invasion of Manchuria

• The Shanghai Massacre

• The Long March

What was the Long March?

• A protest against the Guo Ming-dang

• A military campaign against Japan

• A retreat by the Communists across China

• A diplomatic mission to the Soviet Union

What was one of the significant outcomes of the Great Leap Forward?

• Increased literacy rates

• The worst famine in recorded history

• Victory in the Korean War

• The establishment of the People's Republic of China

During the Cultural Revolution, who were the Red Guards primarily targeting?

• Industrial workers

• Military generals

• Traditional authority figures

• Foreign diplomats

What was the primary goal of the Cultural Revolution?

• To eliminate old customs and ideas

• To increase agricultural production

• To modernize China's economy

• To improve relations with the Soviet Union

What significant change did Deng Xiaoping introduce after Mao's death?

• A return to strict communism

• The introduction of capitalism

• A military coup

• Isolation from international affairs

How did Deng Xiaoping's reforms impact China's economy?

• It caused widespread poverty

• It led to economic decline

• It had no noticeable effect

• It resulted in significant economic growth

What was one of the criticisms Deng Xiaoping had about Mao's leadership?

• Mao was right only seventy percent of the time

• Mao focused too much on agriculture

• Mao was too lenient with foreign powers

• Mao ignored the military

What was the fate of Mao's wife, Zhang Ching, after his death?

• She was arrested for attempting to seize power

• She became the leader of China

• She was exiled to the countryside

• She fled to Taiwan