The China History Podcast

The second half of 1966 and into 1967 saw some of the worst excesses of the Cultural Revolution. In this episode the violence spreads throughout China and anyone with something to hide about their class background is tracked down and forced to endure the most horrible of fates. Mao is liking what he sees and keeps fanning the flames using all the tools at his disposal. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-china-history-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this third episode of Laszlo's Cultural Revolution Overview, we only advance 18 days in August of 1966. Momentous and shocking events happen one after another, day after day. With the announcement of the 16 Points, now the Cultural Revolution has a purpose and guidelines to follow. Today's episode will show that Mao had anything except an orderly execution of this plan to transform China. He was going to shake up the whole nation, like a snow globe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Laszlo takes us up to August 1966 with this Cultural Revolution overview. After a nine-month hiatus down in Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Wuhan, Mao is now back in Beijing and ready to mount his attack on the party leadership and unleash the Cultural Revolution on the entire country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By popular demand, Laszlo begins to trace the history of the Cultural Revolution. This week's episode looks at the events leading up to the moment in 1966 when Mao called for the people to Bombard the Headquarters and to tear down the government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Firstly, Laszlo apologizes in advance for the horrific pronunciation of all Hindi terms. In this updated version of a very old episode from 2012, we look at the long history of Sino-Indian Relations. Many online writers and in the media like to frame this relationship in rather militaristic terms. There's way more to it than that. And there are limitless online resources available that can teach you about all the details and nuances. If you didn't know much beyond the negative vibes being disseminated, here's a nice big-picture two-thousand-year perspective. No question about it, whatever their differences, China and India are part of a small and elite club of great civilizations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Known by many names, Guan Yu, Guan Gong, Guan Di, this great man of loyalty, integrity, and justice lived during the final years of the Eastern Han Dynasty. His oath of brotherhood with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei is the stuff of legends and remembered to this very day. Guan Yu was a historical person whose life was so admired, today he is considered a god. In today's episode, we look at his life and his legend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we look at a committed Communist Party leader who played an important role in steering China's economy and financial system from 1949 to 1966 and during the Deng era. Like many other leaders of his generation, Shanxi-born Bo Yibo suffered terribly during the Cultural Revolution. Today he is best remembered as one of the Eight Immortals or Party Elders who made up Deng Xiaoping's "kitchen cabinet" during China's go-go 80's and 90's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This time we look at Missouri-born Carl Crow (1883-1945). Though pretty much forgotten today, Carl Crow lived an amazing life and was a prolific writer. From his front-row seats to many of the historic events in China between 1911-1937, Crow wrote many books about his observations and opinions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this farewell look at the Silk Road, we discuss a few more interesting things and then give the travels and adventures of Marco Polo a once over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xuanzang, a renowned monk, journeyed from China to India along the Silk Road, seeking original Buddhist scriptures. His travels not only transformed Buddhism in China but also fostered vital cultural exchanges during the 7th century. The discussion highlights the monk's significant connection with Emperor Tang Taizong and addresses the decline of Buddhism in Central Asia amid the rise of Islam. Xuanzang's legacy continued as his translations shaped Buddhist literature, influencing works like 'Journey to the West' and leaving a profound impact on Chinese spirituality.