The Cultural Revolution in the People’s Republic of China began in 1966 and lasted until 1976. The movement was initiated by Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong who had become concerned that Chinese communist ideology was being forgotten or corrupted by the country’s political bureaucracy. He believed that the establishment of a new revolutionary culture, particularly among the younger generation, was necessary to re-establish the correctness of communism in China.
The Revolutionary Committees were established in each province as a tool for Mao to pass down his ideas and ensure loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. In May 1966, Mao called for an increase in political education activities to promote the goals of the Cultural Revolution.
In August 1966, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party issued a ten-point plan for the implementation of the Cultural Revolution. This declared that ‘the bourgeoisie’ and their representatives, names, and supporters were to be attacked. It also declared that the people should be encouraged to “speak bitterness” about their former lives under imperial rule, and to be politically active in critiquing current government policies.
The Cultural Revolution sparked nationwide debate and saw a mass mobilization of Chinese citizens. Red Guards, student and worker groups, intellectuals, educators and religious leaders all took part in voicing their opinions on the issues raised by the Cultural Revolution.
Throughout 1968 to 1969, the Cultural Revolution reached its peak of intensity with the persecution of individuals deemed to have betrayed the Party’s revolutionary ideals, and the destruction of works of art, books, and other items deemed to be counter-revolutionary.
At the same time, the Chinese economy suffered from the disruption caused by the revolution. High inflation, frequent strikes, and corruption undermined the economy and left it in a state of disarray. The Cultural Revolution also led to the downfall of President Liu Shaoqi, who was stripped of all his political and military posts and died in prison in 1969.
Mao Zedong officially ended the Cultural Revolution in October 1976. Its legacy remains today in the form of the country’s political structures and the citizens’ understanding of their own history.