Cultural Revolution Timeline

By marcuslo821

  • Setting the stage for the Cultural Revolution

    Mao and his wife direct Yao Wen Yuan to write a critique of a play percieved as anti-Mao. The two then begin plans to gain control in China.

  • Unofficial start of Cultural Revolution

    The Politburo issues the May 16 Circular which calls on the student Red Guards to hunt bourgeoisie that have 'infiltrated; society.

  • First Dazibao

    A teacher writes a Dazibao which is a big poster that adheres to Mao's ideologies. Many others follow suit.

  • Red Guards form at Beijing University

    The first Red Guards form at this university. They do so for revenge and power mainly.

  • Mao writes a Dazibao

    He writes one saying 'bombard the headquarters.'

  • 16 Points Directive

    Statement by Chinese government supporting Mao's ideologies and Red Guards

  • First Red Guard rally in Beijing

    Mao meets them in Tiananmen square. Becomes an image of the revolution.
    ST: Revolutionary fervor is strong and people support him
    LT: The Red Guards run amok and abuse their power. They cause more good than harm in the long run and eventually get dismantled.

  • Chaos escalates

    The Red Guards ransack peoples homes and cause chaos.

  • Campaign to promote Mao's cult of personality

    Lin Biao and Jiang Qing promote him as a god to make people adore him more.

  • Down to the Countryside

    Sent youths to the countryside to be reeducated by peasants.
    ST: Many people died from malnutrition and disease
    LT: A whole generation lost the chance to go to school. This affected their chances of a successful life in the future.

  • Ninth Congress of the CCP

    Emphasized the rebuilding of party, stabilizing economy, and overall improving life in China.

  • Lin Biao affair

    He tried to stage a coup and assassinate Mao. He fails and his plane mysteriously crashes.
    ST: Lin Biao's reputation is destroyed and he gets killed.
    LT: Public trust in Mao dwindles after he reveals his death a year later. They begin to doubt him.

  • Criticize Lin Biao / Confucius Campaign

    Jiang Qing makes a campaign which blames Lin Biao for all the shortcomings of the CCP so far.

  • Events leading to the end of the Cultural Revolution

    Deng Xiaoping becomes leader, gets demoted by Mao. Mao dies and his wife and accomplices are labeled the Gang of Four and ousted.

  • Tiananmen Incident

    Zhou Enlai dies and a big crowd gathers in Tiananmen Square to mourn.