The Rest Is History 173. Chairman Mao & the Cultural Revolution
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Apr 7, 2022 
Rana Mitter, a Professor of the history and politics of modern China at Oxford, joins the discussion on the Cultural Revolution's brutal impacts. They dive into the origins of this upheaval, highlighting the Red Guards' role in dismantling traditional culture. Mitter elaborates on Mao's quest for power, the violent societal shifts, and the deeply ingrained fear within communities. The conversation also touches on the bizarre cult of Mao, symbolized by 'holy mangoes,' and examines how the legacy of this chaotic period continues to shape China's political landscape today.
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Mao's Invitation and Youth Rallies
- Chairman Mao invited students to Beijing, leading to massive gatherings.
- This free travel allowed youth to connect and experience Mao's cult of personality.
The Mangoes Incident
- In 1968, Pakistan gifted Mao mangoes, which became revered relics.
- The mangoes were boiled, and the water shared, highlighting the religious fervor.
Religious Impulses
- The Cultural Revolution had religious undertones, drawing from Chinese traditions and Christianity.
- Maoism combined political ideology with religious fervor to gain popularity.
