The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was a decade-long period of extreme political and social upheaval in China, instigated by Mao Zedong, the leader of the Chinese Communist Party. This period of history left an indelible mark on the nation, with severe ramifications felt to this day in politics, economy, society, culture as well as individual lives.
Politics
The Cultural Revolution represented a power struggle within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Ideologically, it sought to rid the country of bourgeois materialistic habits and conservative outlooks on socialist ideology, which Mao viewed as impure and countering his authority. In practice, this often devolved into a personal witch hunt, as Mao’s political rivals were purged from the party ranks. To that end, the Revolution was largely successful, with over one million people arrested, hundreds killed in street violence or executed, and over two million stripped of their party membership or removed from official positions. This allowed Mao to consolidate his power and control the CCP, while weakening the influence of any potential rivals. Moreover, the philosophy of absolute obedience to the Chairman was enshrined in law and further propagated throughout the country, solidifying Mao’s cult of personality.
Economy
The Cultural Revolution had a devastating economic impact. Factories, farms and businesses were closed, and major economic activities were suspended for years. Close to 20 million people were diverted from productive work to participate in various campaigns, burdening industry with a massive labor shortage. Furthermore, the “One Strike and Three Antis” campaign sought to root out corruption and thus deprived the public sector of a significant source of funds. This resulted in a sharp contraction of production, steadily declining living standards and high inflation. The cumulative economic cost of the Revolution is estimated to be somewhere between $250 to $500 billion USD.
Society
The Cultural Revolution brought considerable disruption to daily life in China. Schools, universities and other educational institutions were closed and students were encouraged to join Mao’s Red Guards, causing a dramatic disruption to the educational system. Obligatory self-criticisms, mass rallies and extensive regulation of everyday life created an atmosphere of fear and paranoia, further exacerbating the existing problems of political apathy and a lack of civil consciousness. At the same time, the rise of a new youth culture associated with the Red Guards and their revolutionary fervor had a deep and lasting impact, significantly influencing the subsequent generation of Chinese society.
Culture
The Cultural Revolution sought to remove traditional culture and replace it with a new revolutionary culture. This meant a crackdown on religious practices, traditional values and superstitions. To that end, numerous Confucian texts were destroyed, temples were closed, and Mao’s Little Red Book was used to indoctrinate the population. Consequently, the venerated cultural heritage of China was irrevocably damaged, with countless artifacts and ancient literary works lost forever. At the same time, the Revolution produced a new form of revolutionary art, film and music, promoting the core principles of Maoism. These works presented a distorted view of reality, manipulating and influencing public opinion while also reflecting the chaos and destruction of the period.
Individual Lives
The Cultural Revolution impacted the lives of everybody in China in some way. Many families were destroyed as children denounced their parents, who were often punished with humiliation, prison terms or worse. For those who had rose to prominence during the Revolution, their newfound power and influence could quickly be taken away when the winds of change shifted and they found themselves targeted by the authorities. People who refused to comply with the Revolutionary ideals were labeled “class enemies” and persecuted mercilessly, with no mercy shown even to those who once held high positions in the party. For the survivors, the legacy of this tumultuous period remained with them forever, shaping their lives and the lives of their children in a profound way.
In conclusion, the Cultural Revolution had an undeniably far-reaching impact on China that can still be felt today. From politics to economics, society and culture, all aspects of life were affected, either directly or indirectly. It caused immense economic losses, disruptions to education and the fabric of society, and irreparable damage to the country’s cultural heritage. Most importantly, it changed the lives of individuals forever, leaving a trauma that still resonates through the generations.