Cookie Policy

Our website uses cookies to understand content and feature usage to drive site improvements over time. To learn more, review our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Communism in China

Driving Question: Why did communism take root in China and how did that have global ramifications?

Why did communism rise in China, and how did it change the world? This lesson looks at revolution, reform, and the ripple effects of one of history’s biggest power shifts.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Use the historical thinking practice of causation to explain why communism took root in China in the mid-twentieth century.
  2. Use evidence to evaluate how China’s communist revolution was shaped by global conflicts and anti-imperialist struggles.
STEP 2

Chinese Communist Revolution

Examine how Mao Zedong launched the Cultural Revolution to reshape Chinese society and protect communist ideals. Through an article and video, you will explore internal politics, Cold War pressures, and anti-imperialist goals.

Chinese Communist Revolution in a Global Perspective External link

This video looks at the Chinese Communist Revolution as a transformational event in both Chinese history and the global history of revolutions.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 3

100-Word Summary

Combining a brainstorm session with an exploration of the three frames will help you review what you’ve learned in this lesson about how the rise of communism changed our world.

Extension Materials
Checkmark Alert Banner
This extension gives you a chance to work with sources, examine global responses to communism, and connect China’s revolution to broader Cold War dynamics.
...

Global Reactions to Communism

Use sources to analyze how people and governments around the world responded to communism. These materials will deepen your understanding of how China’s revolution fit into broader Cold War struggles.