Question

“In 1958, China launched the Great Leap Forward (GLF) campaign with a definite aim.”

State the rationale behind the introduction of the Great Leap Forward (GLF) campaign.

Hint:

The Great Leap Forward of 1958 was a push for fast industrialisation in China. Mention the aim (mass industrialisation) and the method (backyard industries).

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the background:
In 1958 China was a young communist state led by Mao Zedong. It had only begun its planned development after 1949.
Its factories were few, its steel output was low and most people worked on farms.
The Great Leap Forward (GLF) was launched to change this picture quickly.

Step 2: Identify the aim of the campaign:
The campaign aimed to bring industrialisation to China on a massive scale.
The leaders wanted China to catch up with the industrial nations in a very short time.
So the target was rapid industrial growth, not just a slow build-up of big factories.

Step 3: Note the method used:
People were encouraged to set up small industries in their own backyards.
Ordinary families, and not only the state, were asked to make industrial goods such as steel.
This is the core idea behind the rationale: spread industry to every village and household.

Step 4: Write the answer in the form the marks need:
The question carries 2 marks, so state the aim in one point and the backyard method in a second point.

Final Answer:
The rationale of the Great Leap Forward was to promote industrialisation in China on a massive scale. People were encouraged to set up industries in their backyards.