The Rest Is History 173. Chairman Mao & the Cultural Revolution
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Apr 7, 2022 
Rana Mitter, a Professor of the history and politics of modern China at Oxford, joins the discussion on the Cultural Revolution's brutal impacts. They dive into the origins of this upheaval, highlighting the Red Guards' role in dismantling traditional culture. Mitter elaborates on Mao's quest for power, the violent societal shifts, and the deeply ingrained fear within communities. The conversation also touches on the bizarre cult of Mao, symbolized by 'holy mangoes,' and examines how the legacy of this chaotic period continues to shape China's political landscape today.
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Red Guards' Attacks
- Red Guards attacked symbols of old ways, like barbershops and high heels.
- They even targeted racing pigeons, showing the movement's extreme nature.
Context of the Cultural Revolution
- The Cultural Revolution followed the Great Leap Forward, a disastrous collectivization effort.
- This famine killed millions, raising questions about Mao's leadership.
Ideology and Power
- The Cultural Revolution wasn't just a power grab by Mao.
- It was an ideological movement driven by his belief that the revolution had lost its fervor.
