China's Cultural Revolution: The Black Decade

In 1949, Mao Zedongled a Communist revolution in China. But by 1966, hebelievedthe revolution had gone stale andthat thosein charge were too comfortable. Hedecided to clean out the upper ranks of bureaucracy. He used the teenagers of his country to do it.Purgingthe nation of impure socialist elements gaveMao the opportunity to consolidate his own power whilecreatinga powerful cult of personality. The movement was known as the Chinese Cultural Revolution, but amounted to what many calla civil war.

Steve Wadhams, one of CBC Radio's finest documentary makers, retires this month. He's made many documentaries over the years and today we present one from 1981. It's called The Black Decade.

Mao's Cultural Revolution beganin schools where students were inspired byslogans from theLittle Red Book. They became theRed Guard, which sought to crush all opposition. They tortured their teachers, burned temples, attacked police stations and becameseasoned and experienced killers. But as they became intoxicated with power anddividedinto various splinter groups witheach factionclaimingallegiance to Mao. They began to fightone another.Many becamedisillusioned as they saw poverty around the country, counter to what Mao had told them. As the infighting continued, Mao asked the army torestore order. He exiled the Red Guard to the hinterlands, often for long periods of time away from their families.Today, members of Mao'sRed Guard are referred to as China's"lost generation."

Coming up in Part Two next week, and interview withJan Wong,a Canadian born journalist, who as a teenager embraced the cultural revolution.