The Cultural Revolution
Summary:
The Cultural Revolution was a series of policies implemented by Mao from 1966-76. The purpose of these was to enforce Mao's brand of Socialism throughout the country by ridding the PRC of Capitalist, historical/traditional and cultural elements from society, and to strengthen the unity of the Party by reinforcing dogmatic Maoist ideals. He was able to assert himself into a position of control after the failure of The Great Leap Forward by discrediting Bourgeois "revisionists" and engaging the youth. Soon his efforts spread to the military, the working class, and into the Communist Party leadership.
This led to the persecution of millions. Beginning with a mass purge of senior officials, who had enough power and knowledge of China's past to challenge the newly formed status quo. Public humiliation, sustained harassment, beatings, imprisonment, and torture were all used to combat dissenters or perceived opposition. Additionally, there were large-scale property seizures, and millions were displaced.
The largest group of displaced persons were the Urban Youth, as part of Mao's "re-education" policy. In a program that has become known as the "Down to The Countryside Movement". As a part of this effort, educated, privileged urban children were sent to rural areas in order to learn from the workers there the Communist way of life. These young people, known as the "Rusticated Youth of China" were forced out of their homes and exiled to remote areas. Many were abused, fell ill, and nearly all lost the opportunity to attend University. It's often said that this group of people represents the lost generation of China.
Youths in Shanyang, mainly high schoolers, were forcibly relocated to remote areas of China.
Cultural Revolution propaganda poster. Shows unity amongst members of the Proletariat and visually represents this idea of party unity.
This led to the persecution of millions. Beginning with a mass purge of senior officials, who had enough power and knowledge of China's past to challenge the newly formed status quo. Public humiliation, sustained harassment, beatings, imprisonment, and torture were all used to combat dissenters or perceived opposition. Additionally, there were large-scale property seizures, and millions were displaced.
The largest group of displaced persons were the Urban Youth, as part of Mao's "re-education" policy. In a program that has become known as the "Down to The Countryside Movement". As a part of this effort, educated, privileged urban children were sent to rural areas in order to learn from the workers there the Communist way of life. These young people, known as the "Rusticated Youth of China" were forced out of their homes and exiled to remote areas. Many were abused, fell ill, and nearly all lost the opportunity to attend University. It's often said that this group of people represents the lost generation of China.
Youths in Shanyang, mainly high schoolers, were forcibly relocated to remote areas of China.
Cultural Revolution propaganda poster. Shows unity amongst members of the Proletariat and visually represents this idea of party unity.
Cause:
Mao implemented this policy in order to strengthen party loyalty and eliminate latent opposition to the Communist cause. It was also an effort to secure his own power following the disastrous failure of the Great Leap Forward.
Effect:
While the Communist party of China has officially condemned the Cultural Revolution, some cite it as a beneficial policy, freeing China from Capitalist dogma and outdated traditions, setting the course for modernization. Many lower class workers in China benefitted from the policy. However, thousands of historical relics were destroyed, academics were purged, education was limited, and economic growth continued to be stunted.
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