The Cultural Revolution was a period of social and political upheaval in China from 1966 to 1976. It was launched by Mao Zedong, the leader of the Communist Party of China, with the goal of reasserting his authority over the country and purging the party of “impure” elements. The Cultural Revolution saw the rise of a cult of personality around Mao and the persecution of millions of people, including intellectuals, teachers, writers, and anyone who was deemed to be a “bourgeois” element of society.

The Cultural Revolution began in 1966, when Mao Zedong published a document calling for a “Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution.” Mao argued that the Chinese people had become complacent and that the country was in danger of slipping back into capitalism. He called on all Chinese citizens to join in the revolution and to “bombard the headquarters” of the Communist Party in order to purge it of impure elements.

The Cultural Revolution was characterized by the formation of Red Guard groups, which were made up of mainly young people and led by Mao. These groups were given the authority to attack and persecute anyone they deemed to be a “bourgeois” element of society. This led to widespread violence and chaos throughout the country, as well as the destruction of many cultural and religious artifacts.

The Cultural Revolution also saw the emergence of the “Gang of Four,” a group of four high-ranking members of the Communist Party who were closely associated with Mao and held a great deal of power during the period. They were responsible for much of the violence and repression of the Cultural Revolution and were arrested after Mao’s death in 1976.

The Cultural Revolution had a profound effect on Chinese society and politics, and its legacy is still felt today. It led to the death of millions of people and the displacement of millions more. It also led to a resurgence of nationalist sentiment and a renewed focus on class struggle and economic development. The Cultural Revolution ultimately failed in its goal of restoring Mao’s authority and purging the party of its “impure” elements, but its legacy still lingers in Chinese politics and society.