Transcript The Cultural Revolution

The Cultural
Revolution
© 2011 Clairmont Press
Summary
•
May 1966, Chairman Mao proclaims that the bourgeois, or
wealthy traditional leaders, were attempting to restore
capitalism.
•
Mao insisted that the “revisionists” must be removed through
violence.
•
Class warfare
•
The Chinese “Red Guard Troops,” a youth movement,
responded with violent upheaval in support of Mao.
•
The movement spread into every aspect of the government.
•
There became widespread struggles in all walks of life, there
became a massive overturning of leadership.
•
•
From 1966-68 the Cultural Revolution turned China upside
down and thrust it into political and social upheaval, it was
economically destructive.
•
•
Anyone could be accused of turning from communism.
Millions of people were persecuted; it is still not known how
many were killed.
Cultural and traditional religious sites were destroyed and
ransacked. Books and educational scripts from Chinese history
were destroyed.
Leaders
Mao Zedong
• The inspirational leader of the
Cultural Revolution
• Ignited fears by spreading concern
of a return to capitalism
• Accused scholars and people in
power of turning away from
communist principles
• Collection of his quotations were
recorded and distributed.
• The Little Red Book
Leaders
Lin Piao
• The day to day leader of the Cultural
Revolution; partner to Mao Zedong
• Came up with the ideas and principles
of the Cultural Revolution
• Created propaganda and public
displays, including trials that
persecuted accused people
• Encouraged the revolution to become
violent at all levels of society, even at
the top of government
• The Cultural Revolution ended when
he was expelled in 1968.
Persecution
and Social
Upheaval
The Cultural Revolution had an immediate
and tremendous impact on China from 1966
until 1968. The reassertion of Mao’s beliefs
and the strengthening of the Communist
party’s hold on China would prove to be
violent and effective. Mao believed that a
privileged class was forming, especially in the
educated “elite.” He rallied young peasants
and students against the elite class and many
of the talented and educated citizens were
killed, imprisoned, or sent to re-education
camps. The Cultural Revolution closed
schools and colleges, higher education
ground to a halt, and the economy would
suffer for decades as a result.