17/02/2026

The Cultural Revolution

China’s Cultural Revolution (1966–76): Ideology, mass mobilisation, Red Guards and the campaign against the “Four Olds”, plus evaluation of Mao’s cult of personality. Relevant for GCSE & A Level History.

Relevant to:

  • Edexcel GCSE History – Mao’s China, 1945–76
    Key topic 3: The Cultural Revolution and its aftermath (Red Guards, ideology, effects)

  • OCR GCSE History – China 1950–1981
    Depth study: Communist rule, mass mobilisation & ideological campaigns

  • Edexcel A Level History – Mao’s China, 1949–76 (Option 2E.1)
    Study of the Cultural Revolution within Mao’s leadership & political change

  • AQA A Level History – The Transformation of China, 1936–1997
    Focus on Maoism, mass mobilisation, political ideology & legitimacy

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The Great Famine