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Setting the stage for the cultural revolution
Mao and his wife, along with Yao Wenyuan, critiques literature and art that involve anti-party and anti-socialist ideas. Mao replaces government officials with his own trusted friends. -
Unofficial beginning of the cultural revolution
The Cultural Revolution begins with the Politburo's "May 16 Circular" aiming to eliminate bourgeoisie representatives. Mao calls Red Guards to hunt revisionists and fight against socialist enemies. -
First dazibao
A Beijing University teacher creates the first Marxist dazibao, labeling professors as "black, anti-Party gangsters." From 1966 to 1968, students display thousands, damaging reputations and spreading unrest. -
Red guards form at Beijing University
The Red Guards, initially organized at Beijing University, emerged to eliminate intellectuals and Mao's enemies. They became a national student movement, with students joining for various reasons, including discontent with educational inequalities, desire for power, revenge, and freedom -
Mao writes a dazibao
Mao creates a dazibao attacking CCP Vice Chairman Liu Shaoqi, granting authority to student-created posters and encouraging others to criticize and purge CCP leaders. -
Sixteen points directive
The Eighth Central Committee of the CCP passes the Sixteen Points, supporting Mao's economic policies and Red Guard formation, marking the official beginning of the Cultural Revolution. -
First red guard rally in Beijing
Mao blesses Red Guards at Tiananmen Square, allowing them to rebel against revisionism. Rallyes, attended by 13 million, become a symbol of the Cultural Revolution, with the People's Liberation Army supporting their efforts. -
Chaos Escalates
Red Guards become Mao's "greatest weapon," causing escalating violence and causing fatalities. Mao praises Red Guards, leading to local governments being debilitated and officials being purged. -
"Down to the countryside" movement
Mao initiated the "Down to the Countryside" movement, sending urban youth to rural work units, resulting in 16 million foregoing schooling and eliminating Chinese youth organizing against the Communist Party. -
Campaign to promote Mao's cult of personality
Lin Biao and Jiang Qing promote Mao Zedong's cult of personality, promoting him as a god-like figure. His "Little Red Book" is widely distributed, and people are expected to study his teachings. -
Red guards dismantled
In mid-1968, the Cultural Revolution in China led to significant losses, including human life, economic production, and cultural heritage. Mao ordered the PLA to dismantle the Red Guards, restore order, and declare the revolution successful. -
Ninth Congress of the CCP
The Ninth Congress of the CCP focuses on rebuilding the Party, stabilizing the economy, increasing grain production, and establishing foreign relations. Lin Biao is promoted as vice chairman, and revolutionary committees are formed to restore leadership. -
"The Lin Biao Affair"
Tensions rise between PLA, Party, and CCP leaders, particularly between Mao and Lin Biao. Lin's power dwindles, and he attempts a coup, but fails. -
"Criticize Lin Biao, criticize Confucious" Campaign
After Lin Biao's death, the party undergoes significant changes, with Wang Hongwen replacing Lin as vice chairman. Jiang Qing and Zhou Enlai contest power, but both campaigns fail. -
Events leading to the end of the cultural revolution
Deng Xiaoping becomes vice premier after Zhou Enlai's death, facing criticism from Jiang Qing. Mao demotes Deng and replaces Zhou Enlai with Hua Guofeng, surprising Jiang. -
Tiananmen Accident
Zhou Enlai dies from cancer in 1976, leading to the Tiananmen Incident, a riot involving Jiang Qing and her supporters, marking the end of the Cultural Revolution.