The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), also known as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, was a period of great upheaval and transformation in China under the rule of Mao Zedong. It aimed to reassert revolutionary values and Maoism, combat “bourgeois” influences, strengthen the authority of Mao and the Communist Party, and transform Chinese society into a more egalitarian one. The Cultural Revolution had drastic and far-reaching consequences on the social, economic, and political landscape of China, the effects of which have been felt up until the present day.
The Cultural Revolution created tremendous social upheaval and disruption. It had sweeping impact on the education system in China, as classes were suspended from 1966 to 1968 and millions of youth were sent to the countryside for re-education and labor. This mass displacement of urban youth to rural areas, known as the “Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside Movement”, had a significant effect not only on the lives of those who were relocated but also on the demographics and economy of the receiving villages. Many of the urban youth brought with them new ideas and ideas that undermined traditional hierarchies, which at times led to conflict with locals.
Additionally, the Cultural Revolution resulted in widespread violence across the country. Political purges of government officials and intellectuals labeled as “counter-revolutionaries” or “capitalist-roaders” occurred, leading to death and imprisonment. People accused of such crimes were publicly humiliated, subjected to torture, and even killed. Such violence extended beyond political elites; feuding between competing factions, called Red Guard groups, often turned bloody, and innocent people were regularly caught in the crossfire.
The Cultural Revolution also caused significant suffering to minority religions, particularly Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity. Religion was seen as a source of superstition and backwardness and was targeted for suppression. Monasteries were ransacked and religious artifacts destroyed. Local officials were ordered to replace Buddhist and Christian beliefs with Maoist thought. Many temples were converted into Revolutionary Museums, where portraits of Mao and revolutionary slogans were proudly displayed.
The Cultural Revolution had serious economic ramifications for China. Many factories, which suffered from a lack of skilled workers and resources, stopped producing or were shut down altogether. Economic output declined, leading to food shortages and increasing poverty. In addition, businesses and private property were taken over by the state, limiting opportunities for individuals to accumulate wealth. The agricultural sector was also affected, with collectivization of land resulting in a decrease in overall production.
Politically, the Cultural Revolution gave Mao unparalleled power. Mao’s goals were enshrined in the Constitution, while his “Four Olds”—Old Culture, Old Customs, Old Habits, and Old Ideas—were labeled as enemies of the state. Criticisms of Mao were censored and his ideology became the official doctrine of the Communist Party. The power of the central government was also strengthened; local authorities were ordered to follow the dictates of the central government and any dissenters were removed from office.
In the decades since the conclusion of the Cultural Revolution, China has seen significant change and progress. The country has embraced capitalism and achieved an unprecedented level of economic growth. However, the effects of the Cultural Revolution remain palpable in China today. Its legacy is marked by emotional scars, political divisions, and mistrust towards the government. In addition, some of the most repressive aspects of the Cultural Revolution, like the restrictions on political freedom, have carried over into the present day.
Overall, the Cultural Revolution left an indelible mark on Chinese society. It disrupted people’s lives, reshaped the economy, and altered the political system. It also had immense psychological and cultural impacts, creating a legacy of pain and mistrust that lingers to this day.