China 1950–1981: The People and the State (J410/01) - Communism in China after the death of Mao 1976–1981 — OCR GCSE History
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China 1950–1981: The People and the State (J410/01) - Communism in China after the death of Mao 1976–1981 explained
This topic covers China after Mao's death in 1976 up to 1981.
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You need to explain how the Party treated opposition, including the fall of the Gang of Four and the brief 'democracy wall' movement, and how dissent was repressed. Explain Deng Xiaoping's economic changes, especially the Four Modernisations in agriculture, industry, defence and science and technology, and their impact. Analyse the continuing role of Communist propaganda and its effect on public opinion. Cover social change under Deng, including the changing role of women, reforms in education and the introduction of the One Child policy. Multiple-choice questions reward precise knowledge of who did what and when, so link each policy to its author and its consequence.
Your focus
- Explain how opposition was treated and repressed after 1976, including the Gang of Four and the 'democracy wall'
- Describe Deng's economic changes, including the Four Modernisations, and their impact
- Explain the nature and impact of Communist propaganda after 1976
Show all 4 objectives
- Describe social changes under Deng, including the role of women, education and the One Child policy
China 1950–1981: The People and the State (J410/01) - Communism in China after the death of Mao 1976–1981 exam tips
Marking Points
- Identifies the Gang of Four as a radical faction removed from power after Mao's death
- Describes the 'democracy wall' as a brief outlet for dissent that the Party then repressed
- Explains that Deng's Four Modernisations targeted agriculture, industry, defence and science and technology
- States that propaganda continued under Deng to shape public opinion and limit criticism
- Describes social changes under Deng, including the role of women, education reform and the One Child policy
Examiner Tips
- 💡Link each policy to the correct leader before choosing an option
- 💡Check the date range 1976–1981 and reject options set outside it
- 💡Distinguish economic from social change when the stem asks for one
- 💡Watch for options that name the wrong modernisation sector
Common Mistakes
- Attributes the Four Modernisations to Mao; credit Deng Xiaoping as their author
- Treats the 'democracy wall' as tolerated permanently; note that the Party repressed it
- Assumes propaganda ended with Mao; recognise its continued use after 1976
- Dates Deng's reforms before 1976; keep them inside the 1976–1981 period