Chinese Cultural Revolution

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the causes of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, including the Great Leap Forward and Mao's subsequent loss of absolute power. Through the fanaticism of his youthful followers, known as the Red Guards, Mao was launched back into power and unleashed a reign of terror across China. In this research paper, there is special emphasis on the destruction caused by the Red Guards, including, but not limited to, book burning, vandalism, torture, and even murder. This paper essentially discusses the nature of fanatical Maoist ideology. It supports its thesis through the use of primary sources, such as biographies of those who survived the cultural revolution and documents from the period including movies, music, posters, and government documents. A full biography and footnotes in Chicago Manual/Turabian style are included.

From the Paper:

"During the 20th century, China experienced unprecedented turmoil and instability. In 1911, the Imperial Ch?ing dynasty was overthrown only to be replaced by two decades of constant civil war and anarchy. Although Chiang Kaishek managed to unify the country in 1928, his rule saw further trouble including the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and a communist insurrection led by Mao Zedong. Following Japan's defeat in the Second World War, Chiang Kaishek, despite some initial successes was defeated at the hands of the communists and was forced to flee to Taiwan. Mao Zedong announced the birth of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Throughout his reign, China suffered from several disasters including the Great Leap Forward, the Hundred Flowers Campaign, but especially the Cultural Revolution. Lasting from roughly 1966-1976, the Cultural Revolution has been considered the most violent and chaotic period in China's modern history. During this era, China experienced the triumph of ideological fanaticism over pragmatism, the mass execution of millions of people, and the near destruction of ancient Chinese culture."

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