The Cultural Revolution: Mao’s Ideological Purge and Its Impact on Chinese Society

Abstract

This article explores the socio-political impact of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) in China, led by Mao Zedong, with an emphasis on the ideological purge that sought to reinforce communist values while attacking perceived bourgeois elements within Chinese society. The paper examines how Mao’s call for a revolutionary transformation of society led to widespread persecution of intellectuals, purging of perceived political enemies, and the destruction of cultural artifacts. By analyzing primary sources such as speeches, propaganda materials, and testimonies from those affected, the study investigates the ideological and cultural shifts during the Cultural Revolution and their long-term effects on Chinese society. The paper highlights the social chaos, educational disruption, and political purges that led to the rise of the "Red Guard" movement and the decline of traditional Chinese cultural practices. It concludes by considering how the Cultural Revolution continues to influence Chinese society, politics, and memory in the contemporary era.