The Cultural Revolution, also referred to as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (GPCR), was a sociopolitical movement that took place in the People’s Republic of China from 1966 to 1976. It was led by Chairman Mao Zedong and aimed to combat capitalism and other elements of traditional Chinese culture that he viewed as antithetical to communist ideology. The period lasted for ten years and is generally divided into two phases: the first phase, lasting from 1966 to 1969, saw mass mobilization campaigns, the second phase, lasting from 1970 to 1976, saw dramatic changes in the education system, party structures and other aspects of Chinese life.
The Cultural Revolution began on May 16, 1966, when Mao issued the “May 16 Circular”, which called for action against bourgeois elements who were said to be attempting to undermine the Communist Party’s authority. Large-scale mobilizations, known as “Red Guard” campaigns, soon swept through the country; millions of students and workers were encouraged to join in the effort to purge what were perceived to be reactionary forces within Chinese society.
During this time, schools and factories closed, massive political rallies were held, and street fighting broke out in some areas. In an effort to root out these enemies of the state, Mao encouraged people to “bombard the headquarters”, referring to activities such as the public humiliation and physical abuse of those labeled class enemies. People accused of being ‘counterrevolutionaries’ were arrested, beaten, tortured, and sometimes killed. Books and artwork deemed unacceptable were burned and destroyed. Whole families were sent to labor camps.
The intensity and scope of the Cultural Revolution varied across the country, with certain regions and cities experiencing far more extreme forms of violence than others. The worst excesses of the Cultural Revolution took place during the first phase, between 1966 and 1969. During this period, radical Red Guard organizations competed to demonstrate their loyalty to Mao, often doing so through violent means.
While Mao officially declared the end of the Cultural Revolution in October 1976, its legacy still lingers today. Political life in China has yet to fully recover from the turmoil it caused, and many of the policies and practices implemented during that time remain in effect. Social divisions created then have endured, and the scars of the Cultural Revolution can still be seen in Chinese society today.