Cultural Revolution

Cultural Revolution (1966–76) A dramatic purge of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as officeholders in the economy, education, and cultural institutions, in an ostensible attempt to rid Chinese society of ‘bourgeois’ influences. It was officially announced on 8 August 1966, when people were encouraged to denounce their neighbours for not being genuine Communists. Words of Chairman Mao became the sole rule of conduct, and all established patterns of conduct became subject to question. Altogether around three million people were thus denounced, and tens of thousands died in imprisonment. By 1967, matters had escalated to near anarchy as student Red Guards terrorized the streets, and from 1968 the military was called in to restore order.

The Cultural Revolution ended officially only with Mao's death. It was primarily an urban phenomenon, affecting around half of China's urban population. It caused great disruptions in the Communist Party itself, as over 70 per cent of government and party leaders at regional and provincial levels were replaced. Around half a million people died as a consequence of the Revolution. It left those millions affected by it with deep scars, producing deep divisions within the Communist Party and in much of urban China. From Mao's point of view, the Revolution served its purpose, as it allowed him to reassert absolute control over the party hierarchy. Most of his opponents, critics (most notably State Chairman Liu Shaoqi), or even sceptics were removed from office.