The failure of the Great Leap Forward led to Mao Zedong introducing the Cultural Revolution to accelerate agricultural and industrial transformation in the People's Republic of China - NSC History - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1

Mao's early initiatives aimed at rapidly transforming China’s economy through collectivization and communal farming were characterized by both ambition and disregard for agricultural realities. The Hundred Flowers Campaign initially solicited criticism of the government but ended in repression, reflecting a tense dynamic between policy and public opinion.

The Great Leap Forward (1958) aimed to supercharge agricultural and industrial production but resulted in disaster. Poor planning, over-reporting of production figures, and the failure of backyard furnaces led not only to economic collapse but also to famine, causing millions of deaths. This failure eroded Mao’s credibility and led to a political crisis in the Communist Party.

The disastrous outcomes included the collapse of industries and rising dissatisfaction among peasants. High taxation and state interventions led to diminished productivity. The Great Leap Forward is often summarized as one of history’s most profound agricultural failures.

Initiated in 1966, the Cultural Revolution sought to reclaim ideological control and rectify Mao’s earlier mistakes. By targeting perceived enemies within the Communist Party and society, Mao aimed to reinstate his authority. This was marked by campaigns to abolish traditional customs and promote communist ideology, often enforced through violent means.

In conclusion, the failure of the Great Leap Forward significantly influenced Mao's decision to launch the Cultural Revolution. While the Cultural Revolution sought to correct previous errors, it also entrenched authoritarianism and caused further social turmoil. Analyzing these events reveals the complex relationship between policy failure and the desperate attempts to maintain control in Communist China.