14.2 Key events and figures during the Cultural Revolution

The Cultural Revolution, spanning 1966-1976, was a tumultuous period in China's history. Initiated by Mao Zedong, it aimed to purge capitalist and traditional elements from society, leading to widespread upheaval and destruction of cultural heritage.

Power struggles within the Communist Party intensified, with prominent figures like Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping facing persecution. Intellectuals and ordinary citizens endured public humiliation, forced labor, and exile, while the "sent-down youth" movement disrupted millions of lives.

Key Events and Campaigns

Events of the Cultural Revolution

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• Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) period of political and social upheaval in China initiated by Mao Zedong to reassert his authority and eliminate perceived enemies aimed to purge capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society
• Destruction of the 'Four Olds' campaign targeted old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas Red Guards attacked cultural sites, historical relics, and intellectuals libraries, temples, and artworks were destroyed or defaced
• Establishment of revolutionary committees replaced existing government structures at all levels consisted of representatives from the army, the Communist Party, and the masses intended to promote Mao's ideology and implement his policies

Power Struggles and Purges

Power struggles in Communist Party

• Mao Zedong sought to consolidate his power and eliminate potential rivals within the party
• Liu Shaoqi, the President of China, targeted accused of being a "capitalist roader" and a traitor to the revolution subjected to public criticism, humiliation, and torture died in custody in 1969
• Deng Xiaoping, the General Secretary of the party, also purged labeled as a "capitalist roader" and removed from his positions sent to work in a factory and later exiled to the countryside rehabilitated after Mao's death and became China's paramount leader in the late 1970s

Experiences of Intellectuals and Citizens

Experiences during Cultural Revolution

• Intellectuals and artists targeted as "bourgeois elements" subjected to public criticism, humiliation, and "struggle sessions" many sent to labor camps or rural areas for "re-education" some committed suicide or died due to torture and mistreatment
• Ordinary citizens experienced significant upheaval in their daily lives encouraged to participate in political activities and denounce others many suffered from violence, persecution, and loss of property
• 'Sent-down youth' movement millions of urban youth sent to rural areas to learn from peasants intended to reduce urban unemployment and spread Maoist ideology many faced hardship, manual labor, and separation from families some later returned to cities disillusioned with the Communist Party

Key Figures

Key figures of Cultural Revolution

• Jiang Qing, Mao Zedong's wife, played a significant role member of the radical faction within the Communist Party promoted Mao's cult of personality and attacked his perceived enemies supported the Red Guards and encouraged their violent actions
• Gang of Four, a group of radical leaders, also shaped the Cultural Revolution consisted of Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Wang Hongwen controlled the media and propaganda to promote their agenda orchestrated the purges of party officials and intellectuals
• After Mao's death in 1976, Gang of Four arrested and blamed for excesses of Cultural Revolution tried and convicted for their roles in violence and chaos their downfall marked end of Cultural Revolution and beginning of new era in Chinese politics