Causes of the Cultural Revolution
- The Cultural Revolution emerged from Mao’s desire to restore his authority, revive revolutionary spirit and eliminate ideological rivals.
- After the failure of the Great Leap Forward, Mao’s political influence weakened, and moderates such as Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping gained power.
- Mao feared China was becoming too bureaucratic and moving away from true socialism toward a more practical, expert-driven model.
- Growing divisions within the CCP created tension between radicals who supported Mao’s vision and moderates who wanted economic recovery.
- Mao believed young people needed to experience revolutionary struggle to avoid “revisionism,” which he associated with Soviet leadership after Stalin.
- Propaganda described the struggle as necessary to protect China from capitalist, traditional or foreign influences.
Mobilization of Youth and Ideology
- Mao called on students to form Red Guards, encouraging them to challenge authority and defend the revolution.
- Schools and universities organized “loyalty rallies,” where students pledged support to Mao and studied the Little Red Book.
- The call to “bombard the headquarters” encouraged young people to attack teachers, principals and local officials.
- Posters, speeches and mass meetings presented Mao as the only true protector of socialism.
- The movement spread quickly across urban centers, gaining emotional force and national attention.
Attack on Party Moderates
- Mao used the early phase to remove political rivals such as Liu Shaoqi, who was accused of taking the capitalist road.
- Liu Shaoqi was dismissed from leadership positions and publicly humiliated before dying under harsh conditions in 1969.
- Deng Xiaoping was purged, sent to labor, and later rehabilitated only after Mao’s death.
- The early purges changed the balance of power inside the CCP and strengthened radical control.
- Mao’s authority reached its peak as moderate leaders were removed or silenced.
Definition
Red Guards
Youth groups mobilized by Mao to enforce revolutionary ideology and attack perceived enemies.
