Seizure of power (Cultural Revolution)

The Cultural Revolution, formally known as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (无产阶级文化大革命), was a sociopolitical movement that took place in the People's Republic of China from 1966 until the death of Mao Zedong in 1976. While officially framed as a struggle to purge capitalism and traditional elements from Chinese society and to enforce Maoist orthodoxy within the Communist Party, a key component of the Cultural Revolution involved the seizure of power from existing Party and governmental structures at various levels.

This seizure of power was often orchestrated by radical student groups known as the Red Guards, who, encouraged by Mao's rhetoric and the support of the Gang of Four (Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Wang Hongwen), challenged the authority of established leaders, intellectuals, and perceived "capitalist roaders." These individuals were often subjected to public humiliation, struggle sessions, and sometimes even violence.

The methods of seizure of power varied. In some cases, Red Guards stormed government offices and physically removed officials. In other instances, they organized mass rallies and demonstrations to denounce leaders, forcing them to resign or be dismissed. Often, existing power structures were replaced by Revolutionary Committees, composed of Red Guards, People's Liberation Army (PLA) representatives, and supposedly reliable cadres. These committees were intended to implement Maoist ideology and manage local affairs.

The PLA's role was initially to maintain order and support the Red Guards, but as the Cultural Revolution descended into factionalism and chaos, the military increasingly stepped in to restore stability and, in some cases, suppress the most radical elements. The seizure of power by the Red Guards was thus often a temporary phenomenon, followed by the re-establishment of control by either the PLA or reformed Party organs.

The seizure of power during the Cultural Revolution led to widespread political instability, economic disruption, and social upheaval. It severely damaged China's education system, cultural heritage, and legal framework. While Mao Zedong initially presented the Cultural Revolution as a means of rejuvenating the Party and preventing capitalist restoration, the chaotic seizure of power that ensued resulted in a period of intense political infighting, purges, and suffering for millions of Chinese citizens. The long-term effects of this period continue to be debated and analyzed.