What actually happened as a result of these movements? People usually use them as evidence that Mao killed however many millions of people. I’m aware that they aren’t fondly remembered periods in Chinese history, but I’m not sure how accurate the wikipedia entry on the subjects are. Does anyone have further reading?
There is a new podcast called The Great Proletariat Revolution Podcast, hosted by Andrew Smith. He’s a bit eccentric sometimes, but very entertaining.
Both events are very misunderstood in the west. I wouldn’t trust narratives you’ve heard. However, deadly mistakes were made during both events. Just remember that most events can have good and bad aspects.
If anything, history proven that some sort of cultural revolution absolutely needs to be done. Every socialist state which didn’t do it or do it halfassedly experienced massive resurgence of petty bourgeois sentiment (sadly including China too) which is, just as Lenin predicted, way more dangerous than the haute bourgeoisie in the long run.
I agree. It would take generations to change the general mindset here in the USA.