Chinese Cultural Revolution Timeline

Mao's Little Red Book, also known as Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung, was a book of selected quotations from the speeches and writings of Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong. It was first published in 1964 and became a key propaganda tool during the Cultural Revolution. The book was widely distributed and studied, and carrying it became a symbol of loyalty to Mao and the revolution.

Image source: Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung

During the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1968, the movement spread to universities and schools throughout China. Red Guard groups were formed within these institutions to enforce the revolutionary ideology and criticize teachers and administrators who were seen as representatives of the old system. Schools and universities were shut down for extended periods of time as students focused on political meetings, studying Mao's writings, and engaging in acts of class struggle. This period led to a disruption of traditional education and a transformation of the Chinese education system.

The Destruction of the 'Four Olds' refers to the campaign launched by Mao Zedong during the Chinese Cultural Revolution in August 1966. The goal of this campaign was to eliminate the remnants of traditional Chinese culture and promote revolutionary ideology. The 'Four Olds' referred to old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas. Red Guard groups were formed to enforce the campaign and they attacked and destroyed cultural artifacts, temples, libraries, and historical sites. This campaign led to the loss of many cultural treasures and had a lasting impact on Chinese society.

Image source: Four Olds

The "Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside" movement was a government policy in China that began in 1968 during the Cultural Revolution. Its aim was to send urban youth, particularly students, to rural areas to experience agricultural labor and learn from the peasants. The movement was intended to break down social hierarchies and create a more egalitarian society. However, it often resulted in hardship, as many of the youth were ill-prepared for the physical demands of rural life and faced difficulties in adapting to a new environment. The movement gradually declined in the early 1970s as the Cultural Revolution came to an end.

The 'Down to the Countryside' movement intensifies during this period of time in China. It started in 1969 and continued until 1976. During this movement, millions of urban youth were sent to rural areas to learn from peasants and experience rural life firsthand. The goal was to promote ideological purity and reconnect urban youth with the working class. Many of the young people faced harsh living conditions, manual labor, and limited access to education and healthcare. This movement had a significant impact on Chinese society and the lives of those who participated.

Publication of "To Live" by Yu Hua, reflecting on the Cultural Revolution (1993).

Mao Zedong launches the Cultural Revolution on May 16, 1966, calling for a purge of 'impure' elements within the Communist Party and a return to revolutionary Maoist ideology. This campaign would lead to widespread social and political upheaval in China over the next decade.

The Establishment of Revolutionary Committees marked the formalization of the power struggle and factional infighting within the Chinese Communist Party during the Cultural Revolution. In January 1967, Mao Zedong called for the formation of Revolutionary Committees to replace the existing local governments and party authorities. These committees were intended to be a grassroots organization that would enforce Mao's revolutionary ideology and promote class struggle. However, instead of uniting the people, the Revolutionary Committees became another source of conflict and chaos, as different factions competed for power and engaged in violent struggles. The Establishment of Revolutionary Committees further deepened the political divisions and led to widespread social unrest and oppression.

Formation of the Shanghai Commune (January 1967): The Shanghai Commune was established during the peak of the Cultural Revolution in China. It was a radical political movement that aimed to create a classless society and promote communist ideals. The commune was formed through mass mobilization and active participation of the people, with workers, students, and local residents coming together to take control of the city's administration. The Shanghai Commune implemented policies centered around revolutionary fervor, such as radical land reforms, communal living, and the suppression of counter-revolutionary elements. However, the commune only lasted for a brief period of time before being dissolved by the Chinese government in 1968. Despite its short existence, the Shanghai Commune symbolized the radical aspirations and grassroots activism of the Cultural Revolution.

Image source: Shanghai People's Commune

The purging of 'Capitalist roaders' from the Communist Party was a political campaign launched by Mao Zedong during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. It aimed to remove party members who were seen as deviating from socialist principles and pursuing a capitalist path. The campaign began in July 1967 and lasted until Mao's death in 1976. During this period, thousands of party members and officials were purged, including prominent leaders such as Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping. The purges involved public criticism, forced labor, and sometimes violence, leading to widespread chaos and instability in Chinese society.