Mao Zedong Dies

Setting the scene

Mao Zedong died on September 9, 1976, at age 82, after a series of heart attacks and complications from ALS. Mao had ruled China since 1949, leading the Communist Revolution, the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962) which caused a famine killing 20-45 million, and the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). By 1976, Mao was frail, nearly blind, and politically weakened, though still revered.

What happened

Mao's death triggered a power struggle. The Gang of Four, led by his wife Jiang Qing, attempted to seize power but were arrested on October 6 by Hua Guofeng and military leaders. Hua became chairman but was soon outmaneuvered by Deng Xiaoping, who returned to power in 1977. Mao's body was embalmed and placed in a mausoleum in Tiananmen Square, where it remains.

Why it still matters

Mao's death ended the Maoist era and enabled Deng's reforms that transformed China into a market economy. Mao's legacy is officially 70% good, 30% bad in China—he is credited with unifying China and ending the century of humiliation, but blamed for catastrophic policies. His death marked the end of revolutionary China and the beginning of pragmatic reform. September 9, 1976, closed the chapter on one of history's most influential and destructive leaders.

Background

Deng Xiaoping eventually reformed China.