Mao Zedong Era (1949–1976)

Abstract Chapter Overview This chapter explores the remarkable Communist revolution in China when Mao Zedong established the first of continuing communist chairmanships. It examines the major upheavals in Chinese society generally and to the teaching profession specifically. Historical Background Mao Zedong’s Communist party triumph in the Civil War signified an epochal new era for Chinese civilisation. Everything taught in the past was swept away and Mao set about radically transforming Chinese society. Education Goals Mao Zedong’s rule led to a time when formal education became a literal battlefield of political and ideological struggle. During Mao’s almost three decades in power, radical political events had a significant negative influence on teachers and teaching preparation in China, especially during the Cultural Revolution. Teachers and Schools of Thought The most well-known teacher of this era was Mao himself, as he fostered a cult of personality that permeated all levels of society, where children were taught to revere him as the embodiment of Communist leadership. This was also a sad time in Chinese educational history because it was a time of so much shaming and humiliating teachers. At the same time, it was time of significant military and technological advancements underpinned by communist Russian and Chinese cooperation. Conclusions Mao’s era changed China indelibly and changed China’s view of teachers. The authors hope the great shaming of teachers in this era is never repeated again.