China: A Cultural Revolution

In The Woman Warrior, the Chinese Cultural Revolution is frequently mentioned. The book explains that the battle for Communism in China caused many Chinese citizens to flee to America . I have written a short description of the Chinese Cultural Revolution to further explain the events that took place.

A broad reform movement in China (also known as the Chinese Cultural Revolution) took place in the years between 1966 and 1976. Communist Leader, Mao Zedong, promoted the movement. During the Revolution, millions of Chinese citizens were murdered. The Cultural Revolution ultimately wreaked havoc upon the Chinese civilization.

The Cultural Revolution is widely considered to be an effort by Mao to regain control after his failed attempt to industrialize China. This failed attempt was called "The Great Leap Forward." "The Great Leap Forward" was an economic and social plan that was aimed to transform China into an industrialized Communist nation. Post effects of the "Great Leap Forward" include millions of deaths, and a disastrously dangerous decentralized economy.

In order to establish complete control over China, Mao created an organization called the Red Guards. The Red Guards were a strong band of student supporters. Mao Zedong believed that the future of China lied in the hands of China's youth. He stated that the Chinese Cultural Revolution was the "Youth's Revolution." Under Mao, the Red Guards violently oppressed all who were in opposition to the Revolution. Together, the Red Guards spread the teachings of their master--Mao Zedong. A great deal of popularity was gained by the vicious organization.

Near the beginning of the Revolution, Mao Zedong wished to renew China. He wanted to rid the population of China's "Four Olds" (old customs, culture, ideas, and habits). The Red Guards immediately reacted to Mao's orders. Anything that was related to China's past was destroyed. Paintings were shredded, books were burned, people who were connected the old ways were tortured, and ancient temples were literally turned "inside-out." The elimination of the "Four Olds" led to the mass killing of blameless Chinese people.

Mao opted to end class struggle by enforcing social equality. He strove to rid China of an upper class, which he believed caused the hardship that was bestowed upon lower classes. The Red Guards mercilessly attacked and tortured all those who had connections to China's upper class. As a result, thousands of civilians were murdered.

The death of Mao Zedong fueled the deterioration of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Consequently, the organization of Red Guards became obsolete. Near the end of 1976, the Revolution ceased.