-
Unofficial Beginning of the Cultural Revolution
The Politburo (executive and policymaking committee of CCP) issues the “May 16 Circular,” stating the CCP’s intentions to oust representatives of the bourgeoisie who have sneaked into the government and culture. Mao calls for students (later called “Red Guards”) to carry out a hunt for revisionists and enemies of socialism. -
First Dazibao (Big Character Poster)
A teacher at Beijing University writes the first Marxist dazibao against the university’s professors and administrators. Students imitate this act and recreate their own big-character posters attacking those they label as “reactionary” academics. -
Red Guards Form at Beijing University
The 1st group of Red Guards are organized at Beijing University, to eliminate intellectuals and Mao’s enemies. The Cultural Revolution quickly becomes a national student movement that spreads like wildfire. -
Mao Writes A Dazibao
Mao writes a dazibao that says “Bombard the headquarters,” attacking Liu Shaoqi, the then Vice-Chairman of the CCP. Mao’s actions gives authority to the daizbao and encourages others to do the same. -
16 Points Directive
The 8th Central Committee of the CCP passes the “Decision of the Central Committee of the Chinese Party Concerning the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution” or the “Sixteen Points.” This document is an official statement from the government that supports Mao’s economic policies and the formation of the Red Guards. -
First Red Guard Rally in Beijing
Mao greets the Red Guards at Tiananmen Square to give them his blessings to rebel. This was the first of numerous demonstrations held between August and November. -
Chaos Escalates
The Red Guards vigorously attack anything or anyone associated with the “Four Olds” (old ideas, old customs, old culture, and old habits) and the “Seven Kinds of Black” (landlords, rich peasants, counter-revolutionaries, rightists, “bad elements,” “monsters and freaks,” and pro-capitalists). The original goals of the revolution become often displaced by the rebels’ personal agendas and used this purge as an excuse to eliminate their personal enemies. -
Red Guards Dismantled
To quell the chaos, Mao commands the Red Guards to dismantle and restore order in cities. Slowly, Mao and the CCP regain control over the country and Mao calls the revolution a success.- Short Term Effects: The country suffered major losses in human life and economic production.
- Long Term Effects: The country also suffered heavy losses in cultural heritage. Historical artifacts and buildings that had been destroyed in the process cannot be recovered.
-
“Down to the Countryside” Movement
Mao sends urban youth to do manual labor in the countryside in order for them to be “reeducated” by rural peasants.- Short Term Effects: Many young people die of malnutrition, disease, and exhaustion.
- Long Term Effects: An estimated 16 million young people forewent their schooling, eliminating their threat of organizing against the CCP.
-
Campaign to Promote Mao's Cult of Personality
In the Spring of 1968, Lin Biao and Jiang Qing promote Mao’s cult of personality with a massive campaign. He is potrayed as a god-like figure with pictures and images displayed in public places, and songs, chants, and newspapers that sing his praises. -
Ninth Congress of the CCP
The Ninth Congress of the CCP meet and party leaders who manage to survive this power struggle to maintain their positions. The party refocuses their efforts into promoting the study of Mao’s works, rather than stressing the need to attack class enemies. -
“The Lin Biao Affair”
Tensions grew among the army and government leaders, while Lin’s actions became more suspicious to Mao. Lin and his family mysteriously die from a plane crash on September 13, 1971, and it is unknown what the cause of the crash is. -
“Criticize Lin Biao” Campaign
Jiang Qing initiates her “Criticize Lin Biao” campaign, in order to damage Lin Biao’s reputation. -
“Criticize Lin Biao, Criticize Confucius” Campaign
Originally in 1972, Jiang Qing initiated the “Criticize Lin Biao” campaign, but it further expands, becoming the “Criticize Lin Biao, Criticize Confucius” campaign. It is an indirect criticism of Zhou Enlai, who supports many ideals promoted by Lin and Confucius. -
Tiananmen Incident
Zhou Enlai dies of cancer on January 8, 1976, and it is considered a great loss as he was highly respected and loved by the Chinese people. The memorial for his death in Tiananmen Square on April 5 is attended by many, and attendees use the occasion to also criticize Jiang Qing and her allies. Jiang Qing and her supporters attempt to remove Zhou Enlai memorials and a riot ensues. -
Events that Lead to the End of the Cultural Revolution
Mao demotes Deng Xiaoping, + surprisingly promotes Hua Guofeng. In September of 1976, Mao dies + Hua Guofeng becomes the chairman of the CCP.- Small Term Effects: The government blames the mistakes of the movement on Lin Biao + the “Gang of Four."
- Long Term Effects: "The Gang of Four" is arrested and it marks the end of the Cultural Revolution. 1966 - 1976 becomes referred to as the “ten lost years” or “ten years of turmoil” due to the change in leadership.