Front Cover News Article

Start Of The Cultural Revolution

by: Romina Romei

October of 1966

Cultural Revolution Times

            CHINA-Mao Zedong our political ruler has just started the Cultural Revolution, just as the Great Leap Forward ends.  The Cultural Revolution is starting all across China.  The Cultural Revolution happened to get rid of the four olds, used in “ancient’ China.  Mao Zedong has decided that the Cultural Revolution will eliminate all of the four olds including; Old custom, old culture, old habits, and old ideas.  The Cultural Revolution is suposingly going to help modernize China, and help China being led to a brighter, better future. 

            Before the Cultural Revolution, the Qing dynasty was in power.  The Qing dynasty was known for many things.  One of the accomplishments done by the Qing Dynasty was claiming the Mandate of Heaven.  The Mandate of Heaven is an “order” delivered by the Gods.  It was believed that if you were a very good ruler, cared for you dynasty, and provided what was needed, that the Gods would send you great things for your dynasty.  Things such as fertile soil, good weather for agriculture, etc.  The Cultural Revolution after this because they thought that the Mandate of Heaven was becoming an old tradition, or otherwise know as an old custom.  The Great Leap Forward did not take place during the Qing dynasty.  The Cultural Revolution took place during the Mao Era.

            Many people are for the Cultural Revolution, and getting rid of the four olds completely. “The four olds are traditions.  And we are trying to make China modern, so the four olds should definatley go.  Also everyone would be equal.” Quote by Zhao Bi Shou.  A poor man who lives in China.  Others are completely against the Cultural Revolution.  “The four olds, may be traditional, as we are trying to modernize China, but traditions are always good.  It reminds us of how people used to live, and to be thankful.  Also I don’t believe everyone should be equal since some people work harder for their positions, than others.” Quoted by Ju Bei Sheng,  a wealthy man, located in Beijing.  Many people have different opinion about the cultural revolution, but this is not stopping anyone from continuing the Revolution.