Abstract The paper discusses how culturalrevolution of the 1960s was a time when young people were angry at the world. The paper explains that they were angry due to losing a president, angry about Vietnam and determined to be different than the past generation of Americans. The paper describes how the culturalrevolution of the 1960s brought about technology changes in communication and the media, saw young people take drugs and become hippies and they loved rock and roll. The paper discusses how many became activists for civil rights, women's rights, Vietnam, the war on poverty and domestic issues.
Abstract This paper discusses two films that address, in different ways, the myriad small and large tragedies that were spawned by the culturalrevolution in China. The 1998 "Xui Xui", directed by Joan Chen is both a love story and a story of all that was lost for all people in China during the CulturalRevolution. While, Zhang Yimou's film "To Live" tells of the subtler, less intentioned ways in which each family in China was changed by the culturalrevolution.
From the Paper "Tragedy written on a small scale is still tragedy for those whose lives are touched by it. But even as we understand this we are still more compelled to try to understand those tragedies that occur on a large scale. Two films that address in ..."
Tags:Cultural Revolutionm, China, Red Squads, Joan Chen
Abstract This paper explores what Mao's initial intention was when he first launched the CulturalRevolution and why he failed to achieve his initial goals. Contesting the commonly accepted assumption that sees a purge of oppositional forces as Mao's primary intention, it argues that Mao's fundamental motive for the revolution was his strong desire to remodel China according to his communist ideals.
From the Paper "Wang argues that Mao's strong desire to consolidate his Marxist ideals, which can be seen as the major cause of the Cultural Revolution, was driven by the fundamental contradiction within the Chinese society that time. When the Communists came to power in 1949, the new regime shared with its Republican and late-Qing predecessors the determination to strengthen the nation. China was facing two broad goals to achieve at once. One was to acquire economic and technical power so that it could develop into an advanced, powerful, industrial society. The other was to create a society based on values that conformed to Marxist concepts of social justice. China's long history of chronic poverty and inquality strongly drove its national leaders to promote both full-speed modernization and egalitarian social transformation. "
Abstract This paper examines the events, context and consequences of Mao Zedung's CulturalRevolution. The first part of this paper examines the events that paved the way for the Great Proletarian CulturalRevolution. The next part then examines how the CulturalRevolution started and its degeneration into violence and destruction. It also studies how the excesses of the CulturalRevolution began and Mao's culpability for these abuses. In the conclusion, the paper examines the long-term consequences of the CulturalRevolution on Chinese society.
Table of Contents:
Gearing for Revolution Chaos and Violence
Enduring Effects of the CulturalRevolution Conclusion
From the Paper "Throughout these excesses, Mao's hand remained evident. In 1966, he reveled in his god-like status as he received millions of Red Guards at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. During this speech, Mao exhorted his followers to "smash the four olds," referring to old ideas, old culture, old habits and old customs (Jiang and Ashley 2000). When the Red Guard began to destroy ancient artifacts and books, Mao did nothing to stop them. On the contrary, he used his influence to ensure that political rivals were exiled or otherwise removed from power."
"Furthermore, by forcing intellectuals to labor camps, Mao was quelling resistance from the more critical segments of the population. This helped ensure that he had a pliable foundation for his revolutionary goals. In essence, Mao was establishing a new intelligentsia, one composed of peasants and workers who were fiercely loyal to him and his ideals."
Abstract The writer notes that the faith of the Chinese in the teachings of Chairman Mao was so strong that it permeated every aspect of urban life, both private and public. Schools rang with the teachings of communist ideals and adults both feared and praised the rules imposed on them by their government. This paper examines the effects of the communist ideal on the people of China. The writer of this article states that the movement of China toward communism was a turbulent one, resulting in social disorder. By providing the reader with an often painful inside-view of the turmoil of the classes during the Great CulturalRevolution of China in his book, "Son of the Revolution", Liang Heng reveals the strength of the Chinese people at a time when China's social structure was at its weakest. This article discusses the permeation and effects of Communist ideals in Chinese society.
From the Paper "Additionally, although the peasants did hold some amount of reverence for Mao's ideas, they did not truly understand the purpose of the Revolution; they saw only themselves having to struggle harder to support a movement that made no sense. As a movement to "Attack the Evil Winds of Capitalism" struck the countryside, for example, rural peasants were left wondering about Mao's intent for them. Liang Heng recounts a tale of a peasant who was told to destroy his ducks - a valuable commodity to a peasant and a symbol of capitalism to the Party."
Abstract This paper begins with a brief outline of the course of the CulturalRevolution. It then analyzes its impact on the period from 1971-1976. The most important focus is on the return to authority of the pre-CulturalRevolution party and cadres.
Abstract This paper examines the causes of the Chinese CulturalRevolution, including the Great Leap Forward and Mao's subsequent loss of absolute power. Through the fanaticism of his youthful followers, known as the Red Guards, Mao was launched back into power and unleashed a reign of terror across China. In this research paper, there is special emphasis on the destruction caused by the Red Guards, including, but not limited to, book burning, vandalism, torture, and even murder. This paper essentially discusses the nature of fanatical Maoist ideology. It supports its thesis through the use of primary sources, such as biographies of those who survived the culturalrevolution and documents from the period including movies, music, posters, and government documents. A full biography and footnotes in Chicago Manual/Turabian style are included.
From the Paper "During the 20th century, China experienced unprecedented turmoil and instability. In 1911, the Imperial Ch?ing dynasty was overthrown only to be replaced by two decades of constant civil war and anarchy. Although Chiang Kaishek managed to unify the country in 1928, his rule saw further trouble including the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and a communist insurrection led by Mao Zedong. Following Japan's defeat in the Second World War, Chiang Kaishek, despite some initial successes was defeated at the hands of the communists and was forced to flee to Taiwan. Mao Zedong announced the birth of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Throughout his reign, China suffered from several disasters including the Great Leap Forward, the Hundred Flowers Campaign, but especially the Cultural Revolution. Lasting from roughly 1966-1976, the Cultural Revolution has been considered the most violent and chaotic period in China's modern history. During this era, China experienced the triumph of ideological fanaticism over pragmatism, the mass execution of millions of people, and the near destruction of ancient Chinese culture."
Abstract This paper examines modern Chinese history in order to understand how the government has reached the stage where it is ready to consider moves towards democracy. The various stages examined are diplomatic and military innovations during the "Self-Strengthening Period" of 1861-95, political reform and revolution from 1898 to 1912, intellectual revolution from after World War I to about 1923, and finally, the struggle for supreme power between the Nationalists and the Communists since 1921, which led to the rise of Mao Tse-tung, the CulturalRevolution, and the People's Republic of China in 1949.
From the Paper "In order to effectively understand the current state of affairs in China regarding cultural values and the spread of democracy, one must begin in the past, especially between 1950 and 1990 when the cultural arena of China altered drastically from its ancient agrarian system to one of modernity and acceptance by most of the other nations in the world. With a recorded history of nearly four thousand years, Chinese civilization is one of the oldest and until modern times its development had been highly indigenous, due in part to the independent spirit of the Chinese people and China’s isolation from the other great civilizations. However, with the beginning of the so-called "Age of Discovery," being the time in which China was visited by European explorers in the 16th century, the country began to shift from an ancient state into one of the most modern nations on earth. This event and a whole collection of others were nothing less than epochal for China and its people, for they broke her age-old isolationist policies and began the long-held contact with the West which though weak and faltering at first was to expand to such force in the 19th century as to create a head-on collision between China and the West. Moreover, when viewed in the context of China’s domestic and cultural development, the arrival of the Europeans takes on added importance, for it coincided with the rise of the Manchus and the establishment of the alien Ch’ing dynasty. These momentous foreign and domestic developments left behind far-reaching consequences which endowed the periods that followed, such as the Cultural Revolution, with characteristics greatly different from earlier times. Also, the influence of these other nations on China as to its culture, lifestyle and political sphere, are still in force today and have greatly altered the face of modern China."
Abstract The paper discusses how recent Chinese blockbusters such as "Crouching Tiger," "Hidden Dragon" and "Hero" are examples of the popular resurgence of classical Chinese culture and mythology in post-CulturalRevolution China. The paper explains that after decades of effort by the communist authorities to wipe out all traces of traditional culture, national and international fascination with the beauty and romance of Chinese history and myth is stronger than ever. The paper relates that during the CulturalRevolution, not only were artists persecuted for creating 'reactionary' or 'traditional' art, anything of beauty was thought of as decadent and even flower gardens were destroyed."
This paper discusses the works of Henry David Thoreau and the debate whether his writings were truly an influence on the 1960's culturalrevolution, or if his works were misconstrued by society.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 55.95
Abstract This paper examines the influence of Thoreau's writings on the 1960's CulturalRevolution. It looks at the cultural change that took place during the 60s and how his writings laid the foundation for the social system, which prevails in America today. The author also discusses the argument that Thoreau's views were not in conformity with the cultural change of 60's, rather different generations formed own their views and presented contorted interpretations of Thoreau's beliefs.
From the Paper "In order to gain a better understanding of Thoreau's writings, it is important to discuss the movement and philosophy, which had a major impact on his work. Thoreau was an unknown and unpublished writer when Ralph Waldo Emerson published Nature, an essay which articulates the philosophical underpinnings of the Transcendentalist movement. This religious and social philosophy aimed at encouraging independent spiritual thinking. Most of the proponents of this movement were Unitarian ministers who dismissed the rationalist and conservative view of life. Thoreau later became an influential part of this movements and along with Emerson, he also came to be regarded as the one the greatest American thinkers and philosophers. The writings of Emerson had been an inspiration for Thoreau and his writings often illustrate the same philosophical depth. In his famous essay Nature, Emerson wrote, "The foregoing generations beheld God and nature face to face; we, through their eyes. Why should not we also enjoy an original relation to the universe" Why should not we have poetry and philosophy of insight and not of tradition, and a religion by revelation to us, and not the history of theirs??
Tags: emerson, transcendentalism, walden, nature, hippies, unitarian, social, system
Abstract This paper discusses Liang's political transformation as reviewed in his book. It explores the CulturalRevolution and the changing rules of society. It also expands on worship of Mao and Liang's political awakening.
From the Paper "In "Son of the Revolution", Liang Heng reveals the personal impact of the Cultural Revolution on his early life and that of his family. While the focus is on an individual Liang's autobiography examines the effects of the Cultural Revolution and its various historical movements on China as a nation through the eyes of an urban male born and bred to be one of Chairman Mao's good little children. Like many other youngsters Liang initially uncritically worshipped Mao and in effect was brain washed by his early environment that rewarded ..."
Tags: Son Revolution Liang Heng China Book Review Political, Mao
Abstract This paper explains that the human collective shadow is traits, which represent the collective experience of people's alter egos or darker sides that become the collective cultural shadow. The author points out that the archetypal, which is the antithesis of the collective shadow, is the way in which the collective culture tends to perceive itself without being aware of the dark shadow. The paper describes the archetypal of Western culture and the ways it has changed over time.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Collective Shadow
The Archetype
From the Paper "It is from these unrealistic archetypal images that, during the 1960s, the darker shadow side of American culture began to clash with. The result was the counter cultural revolution of the 1960s, wherein young people went to seemingly great extremes to look and behave opposite the archetypal image, which soon became known as "the establishment." At a point in American history, during the years of the Vietnam Conflict, it would have served Americans well to have found a way to blend the archetypal with the new; but that did not occur. "
Tags: psychopathic, alter egos, disenfranchised patriarchal, counter culturalrevolution
This paper explores the role of students in the Chinese CulturalRevolution in late 1960's. The paper goes into detail about the various experiences of Chinese youth. It talks about fanatics of the CulturalRevolution, as well as victims of it.
2,215 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 7 sources, 2000, $ 68.95
Abstract In China the document that started the CulturalRevolution is known as the ?Sixteen Articles.? It began the development of the new stage in the proletarian revolution, listed the reasons for CulturalRevolution, the targets of the revolution, and set up the guidance for carrying out the revolution. According to Mao, the bourgeoisie was still "trying to use the old ideas, culture, customs, and habits of the exploiting classes to corrupt the masses, capture their mind, and endeavor to stage a comeback". Thus, the main goal was to struggle against (1) people who are ?taking the capitalist road,? (2) to criticize "bourgeois academic authorities" and (3) to transform education, literature, and art that are not in correspondence with the socialist society. Mao's plan was taken seriously by many young students, who became vigorous supporters of the new plan. This paper explores the various experiences of Chinese youth during those years.
From the Paper "From August 1 to August 12, 1966, the Eleventh Plenary Session of the Eighth Central Committee of the Communist Party was taken place in Peking. Mao Tse-tung was presiding. The meeting, which lasted for twelve long days, was ignored by some of the regular Central Committee members but was full of revolutionary leaders, students and teachers. In fact the plenum was attended only by 80 out of 120 Central Committee members. The decision of the Cultural Revolution involved a prolonged debate. Mao and his reforms faced heated opposition (Lee 65). Nonetheless, on August 8, the Plenary Session adopted, with barely enough votes, the ?Decision of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Concerning the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution,[1]? and in August 12 issued the "Communiqu" of the Eleventh Plenary Session of the Eighth Central Committee of the Communist Party of China? (Fan 161)."
Introduction
The Red Guards
Final Remarks
Map of China
Short timeline of the Cultural Revolution
A letter from a Student to his ParentsBibliography
Abstract The paper explains that in order to understand the economic problems in modern China, it is important to first have a fundamental understanding about this country, and a sense of its historical background. This background information is discussed in detail. The writer shows how the rise of the CulturalRevolution ultimately caused a rise in the Chinese economy. In conclusion, the writer states that today the Chinese economy stands on an even keel with European countries and America.
Table of Contents:
China - The Country and its Location in the World Map
China - Its Administrative Set up
China- Its Climatic and Animal and Natural Habitation
What is the CulturalRevolution?
An Analysis of the CulturalRevolution After the CulturalRevolution Economic Policies and Changes After the Cultural Movement
Bibliography
From the Paper "It was at this juncture that Mao called the Army led by Lin Biao to step in on behalf of the Red Guard. When the Army came in it resulted in a division between the military and tensions come to the forefront when Chen Zaido a Military Commander arrested two key radical party leaders. In 1968, after several cycles of radicalism Mao decided to rebuild the Communist Party to gain greater control. Military was sent in to take control of schools, factories and government agencies and this act forced many millions of Red Guard to move to rural lands to pursue their activity. This also had an effect of scattering the Red Guard and also brought some order into the urban cities. In August of 1968, when the Soviet invaded Czechoslovakia, China began to feel greatly unsecured which added to Mao's confused thinking and disillusionment.
"In the 12th Plenum of the Eight Central Committee where the point of who would inherit political power became a central issue in Chinese politics the question of who will be a successor to Mao came up. At the Ninth Party Congress meeting convened in April 1969 Defense Minister Lin Biao was officially designated Mao's successor. With this the military tightened its grip over the Chinese society. This made the entire committee and Party to be completed dominated by Military men in uniform.
"Sino Soviet Border clashes in 1969 paved the way for a martial law in China when Lin took full advantage of the situation. It was during this time several communist leaders died and many suffered moral turpitude during this upheaval. Lin was an aggressive personality and wanted power and slowly Mao began to feel his pulse the wrong way and began to work against Lin. Premier Zhou Enlai joined Mao in this venture and endeavor and Mao's wife Jiang Qing also joined in the fray. But Mao's trusted assistant Deng decided to support Lin. This break up caused many a problem within the party set up and even though many measures were taken to bring back normalcy to China in 1979-71 it could not be accomplished."
Abstract Jiang Qing, also known as Madame Mao, was a very influential figure in the culturalrevolution of China. Besides being the third wife of Chinese Communist leader, Mao Zedong, it is believed that she was the most influential female in Chinese history. The paper discusses the culturalrevolution in China which was one of the most controversial and provocative revolutions to ever take place in the world. Beginning with a brief biography of Madame Mao, the paper explores her life and the impact that she had on the CulturalRevolution. The paper shows that she was an instrumental part of reforming the role of arts within Chinese culture.
From the Paper "As a result of being outnumbered Jiang created a method known as the three in one combination. ("Chiang Ching: A Revolutionary Life") This method was composed of leadership cadres, playwrights and the masses. ("Chiang Ching: A Revolutionary Life") First the leadership cadres would set the theme for the play. Then the playwrights would prepare to write about the theme by going out into real life and gaining experience about the theme. ("Chiang Ching: A Revolutionary Life") The playwrights would then write the plays and the masses would express how they felt about the theme and suggest ways to improve the play. ("Chiang Ching: A Revolutionary Life") This method helped in the development of many plays which were performed by large theatre companies and small theatres and artist's groups as well."
