History A-Level
The ‘four olds’ and cultural destruction
What The ‘four olds’ and cultural destruction means in History A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of The ‘four olds’ and cultural destruction
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Reference: Pearson Edexcel
Red Guards attacked the ‘four olds’ — culture, customs, habits and ideas — destroying temples, books, art and clothing, and persecuting intellectuals and officials.
Topics that use The ‘four olds’ and cultural destruction
- The Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, 1966–76 (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Anarchy, terror and social breakdown
- capitalist roaders
- Decline of the Gang of Four and Mao’s death
- Mao’s personality cult and youth mobilisation
- Military restoration of order
- Rehabilitation of senior leaders
- Rural relocation of urban youth
- foreigners living in China
Using The ‘four olds’ and cultural destruction in the exam
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