China under Mao Zedong: Paper 2 Depth Study: History Edexcel A Level past papers

How far do you agree that the First Five-Year Plan and the Second Five-Year Plan were both unsuccessful in achieving their intended outcomes?

Considering the circumstances, in the eyes of the Communist Party the first two Chinese Five-Year Plans were a great success but, objectively, they fell short of their goals and produced massive problems such as the Great Famine.

"The popularity of Mao’s land reform policies in the years 1949–57 was mainly responsible for the successful establishment of communist rule in China." How far do you agree with this statement?

The Agrarian Reform Law of 1950 and its land distribution were popular among peasants, the largest group in Chinese society, securing their support for Mao whose harsh treatment of landowners was supported, justifying his use of violence against his political enemies as well.

How far do you agree that the most significant influence on the course of the Cultural Revolution, in the years 1968–76, was the political influence of Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping?

Thanks to Mao's deteriorating health and Lin Biao's death, Zhou and Deng were able to steer the Cultural Revolution towards the achievement of pragmatic and moderate goals within the framework of Mao's undying influence.

How far do you agree that the most significant consequence for China of its intervention in the Korean War was the enhancement of China’s international prestige?

Although Mao's China's involvement in the Korean War presented it in a good light within the Communist Bloc, it remained reliant on the USSR for aid and isolated by the wider international community which still recognised Taiwan as the "true China".

How accurate is it to say that the agricultural and industrial problems created in China, in the years 1952-62, were solved by the reforms of Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping in the years 1962-65?

Although not all problems were solved by their pragmatic reforms, many issues were appropriately addressed and China was successfully put on a path to recovery.

"The launch of the Great Leap Forward was mainly motivated by a genuine desire to build upon the achievements made in agriculture and industry in the years 1949-57." How far do you agree with this statement?

Due to the inadequate and overexaggerated successes of the First Five-Year Plan, its achievements were a weak base to build upon by the Great Leap Forward whose primary motivation was the Chinese wish for self-sustainability and Mao's personal desire to hold onto power.

How far do you agree that the CCP was very successful in suppressing religious practice in China in the years 1949–76?

Although Mao's strong anti-theist policies subjected Chinese believers to repression, this only produced outward compliance with state policies, ultimately resulting in the CCP having to concede on this matter and seek compromise.

"Mao’s main motivation for launching the Cultural Revolution was a genuine intent to restore the principles of communist revolution in China." How far do you agree with this statement?

This is correct, but only because by doing so he wished to improve his own position as the undisputed leader within China and the Communist Party.

How far do you agree that the consolidation of communist rule in China, in the years 1949-56, can be explained more by support for the CCP than by the use of intimidation?

In the period from 1949 to 1956, the use of violence or the threat of violence to consolidate communist rule in China was more of an exception than a rule as the Chinese population overwhelmingly supported Mao Zedong and the CCP as victors of the Civil War and good reformers.

"Social reforms transformed the lives of the Chinese people during the years 1949-76." How far do you agree with this statement?

Although it remained a conservative and anti-intellectual nation, China was undoubtedly transformed in the period of the rule of Mao Zedong, albeit most of the changes were for the worse thanks to the negative effects of events such as the Great Famine and the Cultural Revolution. However, some positive change ensued thanks to increased literacy rates, better healthcare, and noticeably reduced class and gender inequalities.