The Cultural Revolution of China had a main goal of decreasing any capitalist elements remaining in the social structure in order to move towards an ultimate goal of Communism.
Mao Zedong was the leader of the party and is often referred to as the chairman of the socialist movement and revolution in China. In 1966, those who opposed the change were removed through class struggle.
Children were used in groups called the Red Guards to implement changes at a younger age and further the process.
These changes lead to multiple elements of damage throughout the country. These changes were most supported by the working class who received benefits from the new improvements and ideas.
Damage
With the new implementation of socialism across the country, Mao’s efforts relieved many top officials who were not supporters of communism, but capitalism.
With these removals, structure soon crumbled. The economic structure was the first major hit to the country. Those persecuted suffered from multiple punishments.
Assets were taken, women were raped, and multiple people suffered from beatings. Those who still remained rebellious joined the Countryside teams, who fought for the previous state of the country, but were often displaced, and had little resources to cause much change.
The Cultural Revolution officially ended in 1969, but multiple rebellions still occurred.
Post-Revolution
After Mao’s death in 1976, forces within the party grew stronger, and the opposition of the Cultural Revolution grew larger. Led by Deng Xiaoping, reformers worked to abandon any Maoist ideas left in the revolution, which was seen to be near an end.
With the weakening Communist party, a group called the “Gang of Four” set out to end any Cultural Revolution rule remaining throughout the country.
On September 9th, 1976, Mao died from health complications. His remaining supporters saw him as a figure that noticeably progressed China in a communist fashion, but the ultimate view of most citizens, saw it as an end to the movement.
The remaining Communist party grew to denounce the Cultural Revolution as a sound idea. Today, the media is prohibited from talking about the effects of the Cultural Revolution, leaving an unheard and unseen mentality.
Ideas, such as museums to educate citizens about the Revolution, have been declined multiple times.