Cultural Revolution | Golden Age

The Cultural Revolution, launched by Mao Zedong in 1966, was a decade-long period of radical social, economic, and cultural upheaval in China, marked by widespread violence, destruction of cultural artifacts, and the persecution of intellectuals and members of the educated class. The movement, which lasted until Mao's death in 1976, was characterized by the formation of Red Guard groups, the destruction of the 'Four Olds' (old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits), and the forced relocation of millions of people to rural areas. The Cultural Revolution had a profound impact on Chinese society, resulting in an estimated 1.5 million deaths and the imprisonment of millions more. The movement also had significant international implications, as it marked a major shift in China's foreign policy and its relationship with the global community. According to historian Jung Chang, the Cultural Revolution had a vibe score of 20, indicating a highly volatile and unstable cultural energy. The controversy surrounding the Cultural Revolution is still debated today, with some viewing it as a necessary step towards China's modernization, while others see it as a catastrophic event that destroyed much of China's cultural heritage.