1966

Definition

The year 1966 marks the beginning of the Cultural Revolution in China, a sociopolitical movement initiated by Mao Zedong aimed at reinforcing communist ideology and eliminating capitalist elements from society. This period saw widespread upheaval as the youth, organized into Red Guards, attacked intellectuals and traditional cultural symbols, seeking to reshape China's social fabric and promote Mao's vision of a classless society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cultural Revolution officially began in May 1966 when Mao Zedong issued a call to action against 'bourgeois' elements within the Communist Party and society.
2. During this period, millions of people were persecuted, including intellectuals, teachers, and party officials, leading to widespread fear and chaos throughout China.
3. Schools and universities were closed as Red Guards took to the streets, often engaging in violent clashes and public humiliations of those they accused of counter-revolutionary behavior.
4. Mao promoted the idea that the revolution must continue even after achieving victory in 1949, leading to an environment where continuous revolution was seen as necessary for maintaining communist ideals.
5. The impacts of the Cultural Revolution were long-lasting, with significant damage done to China's cultural heritage, educational systems, and economy during this tumultuous time.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of the Red Guards in 1966 reflect Mao Zedong's goals for the Cultural Revolution?
  • The emergence of the Red Guards in 1966 directly aligned with Mao Zedong's goals for the Cultural Revolution by mobilizing youth to actively challenge and dismantle traditional hierarchies and perceived bourgeois elements within Chinese society. This mass movement was intended to instill revolutionary zeal among young people while encouraging them to purge counter-revolutionary elements. The Red Guards served as both enforcers of Mao's ideological vision and as a means for him to consolidate power by sidelining political rivals within the Communist Party.
• In what ways did the campaign against the Four Olds illustrate the Cultural Revolution's broader objectives?
  • The campaign against the Four Olds illustrated the Cultural Revolution's broader objectives by aiming to transform Chinese society through radical change in cultural values and norms. By targeting old customs, culture, habits, and ideas, Mao sought to eradicate any remnants of feudalism or bourgeois thinking that could hinder communist ideology. This campaign exemplified the push for a new socialist culture that prioritized revolutionary ideals over historical traditions, fostering an environment where creativity was stifled in favor of adherence to state doctrine.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the events that unfolded in China during 1966 on its social and political landscape.
  • The events that unfolded in China during 1966 had profound long-term effects on its social and political landscape. The Cultural Revolution led to deep societal divisions, widespread trauma from persecutions, and significant disruptions in education and intellectual life. Many educated individuals were victimized or forced into manual labor, which contributed to a loss of expertise in various fields. Politically, it also resulted in a generation that was heavily indoctrinated with Maoist ideology but left with lasting scars from violence and instability. The aftermath necessitated significant reforms in later decades as China sought to reconcile its past while moving towards modernization and economic reform under Deng Xiaoping.

Related terms

Red Guards: A mass paramilitary social movement consisting mainly of young people who were mobilized by Mao Zedong during the Cultural Revolution to enforce his policies and attack perceived enemies of the state.

Little Red Book: A collection of quotations from Mao Zedong that became a symbol of the Cultural Revolution, serving as a guide for revolutionary thought and practice among the Chinese population.

Four Olds: A campaign during the Cultural Revolution aimed at eliminating old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas to pave the way for a new socialist culture in China.