Why did the Chinese Cultural Revolution happen?

The Chinese Cultural Revolution was a political movement launched by Chairman Mao Zedong in 1966, that lasted for a decade until his death in 1976. Mao's intention was to rid China of his perceived enemies and to reassert his authority over the Chinese Communist Party. Mao was concerned that his socialist vision for China was being threatened by a new class of capitalist-leaning bureaucrats who were leading the country towards capitalism.

The Cultural Revolution was characterized by a period of violent class struggle, purges of so-called counter-revolutionaries, destruction of cultural artifacts, and the forced relocation of millions of people. Mao mobilized the youth of China, forming a group known as the Red Guards, to carry out his vision of revolution. This led to widespread chaos and violence, with many people being persecuted, imprisoned, or killed. The Cultural Revolution had a profound impact on Chinese society and the country's political system, leading to the emergence of a new generation of leaders and the end of the cult of personality surrounding Mao.

The causes of the Cultural Revolution were complex and multifaceted, but included Mao's personal ambition, his dissatisfaction with the direction of the Communist Party, and a desire to reassert his control over the party and the country. Mao also believed that China had become too bureaucratic and corrupt, and that a new revolution was needed to purify the country and create a new socialist order. However, the consequences of the Cultural Revolution were largely negative, with widespread suffering, social upheaval, and economic decline.