Explanation
The correct option is 1 only
The Great Leap Forward (GLF) campaign was initiated in 1958 by the Communist Party of China under Mao Zedong. Its primary objective was to rapidly transform the country from an agrarian economy into a socialist society through rapid industrialization and collectivization.
- Statement 1 is Correct: The GLF aimed at industrializing the country on a massive scale. A distinct feature of this campaign was the encouragement of people to set up small industries, such as steel furnaces, in their own backyards (known as "backyard furnaces") to boost national production.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The GLF did not dismantle the Commune system; rather, it introduced and expanded it. Under the Commune system, people collectively cultivated lands. It was only later, during the economic reforms of 1978 (under Deng Xiaoping), that the Commune system was dismantled and replaced by the Household Responsibility System.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the Soviet Union initially supported China's industrialization, political and ideological conflicts led to the Sino-Soviet split. Consequently, the Soviet Union withdrew its professionals and experts from China in 1960. The Cultural Revolution began much later (1966) and lasted until 1976; thus, Russian professionals did not stay until the end of the Cultural Revolution.
Key Takeaway: The Great Leap Forward (1958) focused on rapid industrialization (backyard industries) and the establishment of the Commune system. The withdrawal of Soviet experts occurred in 1960, well before the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).