The Cultural Revolution: A People's History, 1962-1976

The Cultural Revolution was a decade-long political and social campaign launched by Mao Zedong, the leader of the People's Republic of China, in 1966. The campaign's goal was to purge the country of capitalist and traditional elements and to create a new socialist society.

The Cultural Revolution: A People's History, 1962—1976

by Frank Dikötter

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5266 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	433 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Cultural Revolution had a profound impact on Chinese society. It led to the deaths of millions of people, the destruction of cultural artifacts, and the disruption of the economy. The campaign also caused deep divisions within the Chinese Communist Party and led to a period of political instability.

The legacy of the Cultural Revolution is still debated today. Some historians view it as a necessary step in the development of China's socialist revolution, while others see it as a tragic mistake that set back the country's progress.

The Origins of the Cultural Revolution

The origins of the Cultural Revolution can be traced back to the early 1960s, when Mao Zedong became increasingly concerned about the direction of China's socialist revolution. Mao believed that the country was becoming too bureaucratic and that the Communist Party was losing touch with the masses.

In 1966, Mao launched the Cultural Revolution with a series of speeches and articles critical of the party leadership. He called for a "great cultural revolution" to purge the country of capitalist and traditional elements and to create a new socialist society.

The Red Guards

The Red Guards were a group of young people who played a central role in the Cultural Revolution. They were inspired by Mao's call for a "great cultural revolution" and saw themselves as the guardians of revolutionary values.

The Red Guards were given the authority to criticize and attack anyone they suspected of being a capitalist or traditionalist. They ransacked homes and businesses, destroyed cultural artifacts, and beat and killed those they saw as enemies of the revolution.

The Impact of the Cultural Revolution

The Cultural Revolution had a profound impact on Chinese society. It led to the deaths of millions of people, the destruction of cultural artifacts, and the disruption of the economy. The campaign also caused deep divisions within the Chinese Communist Party and led to a period of political instability.

The Cultural Revolution ended in 1976 with the death of Mao Zedong. The country then entered a period of reform and opening up that has continued to the present day.

The Legacy of the Cultural Revolution

The legacy of the Cultural Revolution is still debated today. Some historians view it as a necessary step in the development of China's socialist revolution, while others see it as a tragic mistake that set back the country's progress.

The Cultural Revolution is a complex and controversial period in Chinese history. It is a time that is still studied and debated by historians today.

The Cultural Revolution: A People's History, 1962—1976

by Frank Dikötter

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5266 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	433 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE