Cultural Revolution 1966-69

Spread across China and schools and uni's were closed. Red guards were free to do whatever- targets were intellectuals, teachers and 'five black' categories. They dressed in green and aim was to eradicate the Four olds and all western influence. Historic sites were damaged.

Mao held rallies in Beijing with Red Guards. The travel of these was supported by the PLA therefore Lin Biao was a key supporter (head of PLA).

16 points- Lin Biao became new Politburo leader and also vice-chairman so 2nd inline after Mao. Therefore Liu was denoted.

Mao, Lin etc. stepped up even more against Liu and Deng accusing them of being behind CPC's resistance to revolution. Posters issued denouncing of these so new radicalisation.

Form own red guard units. In Shanghai Worker's Revolutionary General Headquarters (WRGH) set up- got blessing of Mao and CRG. The CPC tried to obstruct them but mao again forced them to make self-criticism. They then supported Shanghai red detatchment rival of the WRGH.

between rival red Guard factions in Shanghai beginning of 'January Storm'. These strikes paralysed Shanghai. 3rd Jan rebels seized main newspapers- Mao intervened and sent allies Zhang and Yao to establish new political authority as party leadership collapsed. WRGH announced overthrow of them and PLA supported them- overtook everything. Rebel groups done the same in seven other provinces (including Beijing).

Zhang in Shanghai. officials chosen in free elections- thought he had support from Mao but he didn't and instructed others not to follow this example. 23rd was replaced by the Revolutionary Committee made up of three elements consisting of rebeles, CPC and PLA representatives.

political backlash. Where members of the politburo who had doubts anyway of the Cultural revolution began to voice their opinions. They said the red guards were overstepping the 16 points. Mao ordered red guards to return home and withdraw from government.

Pitched battles between rival groups (Wuhan july- 600 people killed clash between WRGH and the million heroes a conservative worker group). Mao and party sided with the radicalsand the military commander who put radicals in prison was purged. Arm seizures taking chinese weapons to North Vietnam- Mao and Jiang began arming radicals. Radicals in Beijing seized foreign ministry, attacks on british, indiann legations in the capital.

Mao had a change of heart realising PLA may be undermined. Statement saying crackdown on radicals and the chaos was blamed on a tiny radical group called May 16 Group (scapegoat) four msot radical members of CRG was purged.Order forbade Red Guards getting weapons and PLA could open fire on radicals.