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Cultural Revolution (China)

The "Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution" took place in the People's Republic of China from 1966 until 1976. It was started by Mao Zedong, then Chairman of the Communist Party of China.

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All Content on this topic

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How reunified Berlin birthed a club culture revolution

The fall of the Berlin Wall was not only a political revolution but the start of a cultural awakening in the club scene.
CultureNovember 1, 2019
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Ai Weiwei talks to DW

Contemporary Chinese artist Ai Weiwei talks to DW about film censorship in China.
February 16, 201906:21 min
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1968: The year of cultural revolution

Across West Germany and beyond, young people took to the streets in 1968 — and triggered change.
CultureMay 4, 2018
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How China is still impacted by its Cultural Revolution

Cutthroat competition on the market is just like the class struggle of the Cultural Revolution, says one Chinese artist.
CultureAugust 22, 2017

Chinese photographers confront Cultural Revolution in Berlin

The Museum for Photography's exhibit focuses on 1966-76. How do today's photographers deal with this inherited imagery?
ArtsAugust 22, 2017

Contemporary Chinese photography and the Cultural Revolution

How do contemporary Chinese photo artists grapple with the propagandist imagery of the Cultural Revolution?
CultureAugust 22, 20170 images
China Anhänger mit Bild von Mao Zedong - 40. Todestag

Mao's lingering legacy

Even 40 years after his death, China's Communists still feel the need for Mao Zedong to maintain their legitimacy.
September 8, 2016
China 50. Jahrestag Kulturrevolution - Büste von Mao Zedong

China: 'The Cultural Revolution is long over'

State media has broken its silence on the Cultural Revolution following reports of a social media blackout.
May 17, 2016
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When the West almost became red

Alexander Kudascheff
Mao's approach held an enormous fascination for the left, even in the West, says DW editor Alexander Kudascheff.
May 16, 2016
China Mao Tsetung mit Anhängern am Nationalfeiertag 1968

Opinion: The injustices of the present

China has still not found a consensus on how to judge the Cultural Revolution, writes Felix Wernheuer.
May 16, 2016
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Beijing ignores anniversary of violent Cultural Revolution

It has been 50 years since the spark that touched off China's volatile period of mass collectives and student uprising.
May 16, 2016
Deutschland Geschichte Studentenbewegung Daniel Cohn-Bendit Demonstration 1968

Cultural Revolution and Germany

When Mao launched his Cultural Revolution in China, the left-wing movement in Berlin was listening.
May 13, 2016
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Q&A on the Cultural Revolution

DW examines the Cultural Revolution in China, launched by the communist leader Mao Zedong 50 years ago.
May 13, 2016
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Pope calls for action to fight climate change

Pope Francis calls for fossil fuels to be replaced ‘without delay’.
June 18, 2015
Chinese national flag is raised early in the morning on the Tiananmen Square near the Great Hall of the People where the opening session of the annual National People's Congress will be held in Beijing, China, Monday, March 5, 2012. (Photo: Andy Wong/AP/dapd)

Mao's arrival

December 26 marks the birthday of Mao Zedong - this year, he would have turned 120.
December 26, 2013
Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China at Tiananmen Square in 1949

New debate

A debate on Mao's legacy breaks out shortly before the Party's 90th anniversary.
June 9, 2011
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Business as usual

China seems to have solved the smooth transition of power from one generation to the next.
March 4, 2011
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Olympian Feat?

China isn't where the West thinks it should be but has come far in 30 years, says DW's Diana Fong.
August 22, 2008

Verheugen Plans EU "Cultural Revolution"

December 27, 2004