Discuss the social and political impact of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution on China up to 1976.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the social and political impact of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Candidates may offer equal coverage of social and political, or they may prioritize their discussion of one. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the destruction of the Four Olds and the decimation of China’s cultural heritage. Religion was undermined and temples, mosques and churches were destroyed. Schools and universities were closed creating the Lost Generation. Regular mass meetings were held to denounce people creating a state of fear and thousands committed suicide to avoid the shame. Politically, a cult of personality was established; the Red Guards seized control of local government and in Shanghai they created the Shanghai People’s Commune. Party members were targeted notably Deng Xiaoping and Liu Shaoqi. The power of the Gang of Four and the PLA increased significantly at this time.