Positive impacts

• 1.Promoting the development in the countryside

  • During the Cultural Revolution, Mao re-initiated the industrial construction plan in the villages.
  • This included the production of farming tools, fertilizers and the processing of agricultural products.
  • The development of the village industry helped bridge the gap between cities and villages.
• 1.Promoting the development in the countryside

  • Moreover, Mao initiated the 'Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside' Movement.
  • Many urban youngsters were sent to work in rural villages.
  • They brought knowledge to the countryside.
  • The academic levels and occupational skills of the peasants were improved.
• 1.Promoting the development in the countryside

  • Prior to the Cultural Revolution, most rural children did not attend school.
  • Yet, the rapid construction of village schools during the Cultural Revolution gave them a chance to learn to read and write as well as practical agricultural and industrial skills.
• 2. Stimulation of the Reform and Opening-up Policies

  • 10 years of the Cultural Revolution had brought China into a state of chaos.
  • It made the CPC leaders learn that China's modernization could not be achieved through mass movements and class struggles.
  • Only by maintaining social stability could the economy be developed.
• 2. Stimulation of the Reform and Opening-up Policies

  • After the Cultural Revolution, Deng Xiaoping put forward the policy of Reform and Opening-up.
  • It was hoped that China's modernization would be achieved through a pragmatic approach.
• 3. Continual development of heavy industries

  • Heavy industries such as petroleum, coal and steel were protected by the government and continued to develop.
  • For example, steel production rose by 33.5% and the electric energy generated by 146%.
  • The industrial development during the Cultural Revolution contributed to the success of Reform and Opening-up.