Key players in the Cultural Revolution
Mao Zedong
CR was launched by Mao in 1966 and continued until his death in 1976
Had the goal to purge China of traditional and capitalist elements, and preserve communism. Strengthening ideology -> weakening opponents.
“Our objective is to struggle against and crush those persons in authority who are taking the capitalist road... so as to facilitate the consolidation and development of the socialist system,”
Jiang Qing
Mao believed Jiang was obsessed with power
Became first deputy-head of the CR
Heavily in-control of reshaping China and the arts
Concerned policies made by Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping orchestrated a return of capitalist elements
Led the Gang of Four radicals hoping to take power
Mao's fourth wife
Attacked anyone who she thought was not loyal enough to Mao Zedong Thought
Member of the Central Case Examination Group -> had the task of digging up damaging gossip about potential targets for the Cultural Revolution group
Hoped to become leader of China one day -> encouraged Red Guard to attack anyone who may oppose her
Benefitted from the Cultural Revolution, so did not want its violence to end.
Lin Biao
1964, head of the PLA at the time.
Commissioned the publication of The Little Red Book
Ordered every soldier to read it and learn to adhere to all of its instructions.
Red Guards tried to decipher and follow its ideas, which took on a near religious power.
Supporter of the radicals during the Cultural Revolution
Named as Mao's successor in 1969
1971 - Worried that he might be purged, tried to flee but his plane crashed and he died.
Kang Sheng
Joined the party during the 1930s
Trained in interrogation and torture techniques by the Soviet Secret Police, the NKVD
Loyal to Mao
Used his skills during the Cultural Revolution to persecute, arrest and purge Mao's enemies.
Received the death penalty for her crimes and committed suicide in prison in 1991.
Died of cancer in 1975
Condemned by the Party for his political crimes after his death.
Yao Wenyuan
Deputy Mayor of Beijing, under Mayor Peng Zhen.
Wrote an article attacking Wu Han and his play: Hai Rui Dismissed from Office
Cultural Revolution Group
Formed in March 1966 by Mao
Aimed to direct the Cultural Revolution
17 member sub-committee of the Politburo
Dominated by ideologues
Chen Boda: Mao's propaganda chief.
Yao Wenyuan: writer of the article attacking Wu Han and his play.
Zhang Chunqiao: Party Secretary of Shanghai
Jiang Qing: Mao's fourth wife and most influential member of the group.
Red Guards
Young people formed into violent groups
Aimed to 'Smash the Four Olds'
Tortured and humiliated teachers and officials deemed as disloyal
At least 1 million people murdered.
Physically attacked Mao's enemies, beating, torturing and murdering them.
Children were indoctrinated by propaganda