Mao: Collectivization and the Great Leap Forward

Agenda 10/1:

1. Students review the homework questions [below] about the events leading to the Communist Revolution in China in 1949. They made lists of statements about the events in the style of a Chinese campaign.
2. Students participated in a simulation of the collectivization of agriculture led by Mao.
3. Students listened to a podcast and took drawing notes about life in China during this period - inside and out of the commune.
4. Students read an article about collectivization and held a discussion using the following questions.

• Were the Soviets a positive or negative influence on China during the period of collectivization and the Great Leap Forward? 
• How were people affected by the collectivization and the Great Leap Forward? Cite examples from the text. 
• Evaluate the leadership of Mao and the Communist Party of China (CPC). Was this a “good” government? Cite examples from the text. 
• Compare the Great Leap Forward to the simulation. 
• The communes and Great Leap Forward could have been successful and human lives could have been spared. To what extent do you agree?

HOMEWORK:

Read the first half Pearson Ch. 5, Sec. 2 (pgs. 157-169) - DUE Monday 10/5 - Answer these questions:

• Identify early social and economic reforms made by the Communist Party. 
• In what ways did the Korean war strengthen Mao’s power? 
• What was the purpose of the “Antis” movements? Who was targeted? 
• Make a t-chart. Label it, “The First Five Year Plan: Successes | Failures”. Complete the chart.
• Was the Hundred Flowers Campaign a pre-meditated trick to expose threats to the government? Discuss and explain the campaign in your answer.