Which best explains why the Cultural Revolution was a setback to China's modernization? The government recruited thousands of officials for office and hired experienced workers to boost industrial production. The government forced thousands of officials from office and fired workers to address a decline in industrial production. The government recruited thousands of officials for office and adopted a new economic plan based on capitalist ideals. The government forced thousands of officials from office and abandoned economic planning to focus on communism.

The correct option is: The government forced thousands of officials from office and abandoned economic planning to focus on communism.

The Cultural Revolution took place between 1966 and 1976. It began with the rise of middle and university students, who formed paramilitary groups called "Red Guard" to promote the struggle against the "Four Old Ones". Professors and academics were forced to confess their "crimes." Both their homes, libraries and temples were registered. Those who were accused of "revisionism" were executed. Soon, much of the urban population joined the revolution. This time, the objective was the party officials. China plunged into chaos. Half of the Politburo and the Central Committee lost their jobs, as well as half of the party secretaries. The government system collapsed. There were bloody clashes between factions of the Red Guard itself, each convinced to follow the true doctrine. With the Cultural Revolution out of control, Mao activated the People's Army, led by his ally, Lin Biao.