Mao: China's Economic Factors

Introducing “China’s Economic Factors,” a lesson plan designed to help IBDP high school students explore the complex economic conditions that led to Mao Zedong’s rise in China. This plan is crafted with both the teacher and student in mind, making it a valuable resource for understanding one of history’s pivotal moments through engaging and educational activities.

The heart of this lesson is early 20th-century China, a nation grappling with deep economic disparities. The vast majority of the population worked the land under harsh conditions, owning little to nothing. The CCP’s promise of land reform offered hope to these struggling peasants, a critical point we delve into through various engaging components of the lesson.

“China’s Economic Factors” enriches students’ understanding by integrating different learning methods:

Short Film: We include a brief film, “The Land Reform: Farmers’ Dream Came True,” providing a real-world glimpse into the impact of the CCP’s policies.
Source Analysis: A piece from J. Myrdal’s “Report from a Chinese Village” allows students to explore the life of a Chinese peasant, offering depth and context to their learning.
Class Discussion: An opportunity for students to discuss and reflect on the material, encouraging critical thinking about the effects of land reform and its justification despite potential for unrest.
This lesson plan aims to make history relatable and thought-provoking. It encourages students to think critically about the past and its implications on the present and future. By incorporating multimedia and interactive elements, we strive to make learning about Mao’s China not just informative but also engaging.

“China’s Economic Factors” is designed to save teachers time in lesson preparation while ensuring students gain a deep and meaningful understanding of the topic in a way that’s both fun and educational. Through this lesson, we hope to foster a classroom environment where history is not only learned but felt and debated, sparking a lifelong interest in understanding the complex forces that shape our world.

**Total Slides: 11
Teaching Duration: 2 hours