Cultural Revolution Begins

Setting the scene

The Cultural Revolution began on May 16, 1966, when Mao Zedong issued the 'May 16 Notification,' launching a decade-long campaign to purge capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society and reassert his authority. Mao, concerned that China was becoming bureaucratic and revisionist like the USSR, called on youth to 'bombard the headquarters' and overthrow party officials taking the capitalist road. The movement was led by the Gang of Four, including Mao's wife Jiang Qing.

What happened

Red Guards—students and youth—were mobilized to destroy the 'Four Olds': old ideas, culture, customs, and habits. They attacked teachers, intellectuals, party officials, and destroyed temples, books, and art. Millions were persecuted—beaten, sent to labor camps, or killed. Schools closed for years. The revolution descended into factional warfare between Red Guard groups and military intervention. By 1969, the army had to restore order, but the chaos continued until Mao's death in 1976.

Why it still matters

The Cultural Revolution devastated China—an estimated 1-2 million died, and 36 million were persecuted. It destroyed China's cultural heritage, education system, and economy, setting development back decades. It was a cautionary tale about personality cults, mass mobilization, and the dangers of unchecked power. The revolution ended with Mao's death and the arrest of the Gang of Four in 1976. Deng Xiaoping's subsequent reforms were a direct reaction against the chaos. The Cultural Revolution remains a taboo subject in China but stands as one of history's most destructive social experiments.

Background

The Cultural Revolution, formally known as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, was a sociopolitical movement in the People's Republic of China (PRC). It was launched by CCP chairman Mao Zedong in 1966 and lasted until his death in 1976. Its stated goal was to preserve Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. China endured years of chaos and violence.