The Cultural Revolution was characterized by widespread purges, violent struggles, and the destruction of traditional cultural artifacts and practices. It created an atmosphere of fear, chaos, and uncertainty in China, as millions of people were affected and many lost their lives or faced persecution and imprisonment.
Key aspects of the Cultural Revolution included:
Red Guard Movement: The Cultural Revolution was spearheaded by the Red Guards, a group of young people who acted as Mao's enforcers. They attacked and humiliated those deemed as "counter-revolutionaries," intellectuals, and followers of traditional culture.
Power Struggles: The Cultural Revolution also involved intense power struggles within the CPC. Mao used the movement to consolidate his power and eliminate political opponents, leading to the purge and disgrace of many high-ranking party officials.
Cult of Personality: Mao's personality cult reached its peak during the Cultural Revolution. He was hailed as the "Great Leader" and his portrait was displayed everywhere, while dissenting views and critical thinking were suppressed.
Red Book and Quotations: Mao's little red book of quotations, containing his statements and teachings, became a mandatory text studied and recited across China. It served to indoctrinate people with Maoist ideology.
Downfall of Four Olds: The Cultural Revolution targeted the "Four Olds" - old culture, old customs, old habits, and old ideas. Traditional Chinese beliefs, art, literature, religion, and cultural heritage were suppressed and often destroyed.
Reeducation and Rustication: Millions of intellectuals, professionals, and urban educated youth were sent to the countryside for reeducation through manual labor. They aimed to learn from peasants and workers and be reformed according to Maoist ideals.
The Cultural Revolution ended officially in 1976, following the death of Mao and the rise of Deng Xiaoping. Deng denounced the movement as a "catastrophe" and implemented policies to reverse its impact. However, its legacy and the scars left by the violence, persecution, and social turmoil of those years still resonate in Chinese society.