Timeline of 1966

  • Setting the stage for the Cultural Revolution

    Mao and Jiang Qing got Yao Wenyuan to publish a vitriolic critique against Beijing's mayor, this was done to push start the Cultural Revolution.
  • Unofficial beginning of the Cultural Revolution

    Politburo released "May 16 Circular" which confused many people as it had a statement that made them think that the Cultural Revolution was starting.
  • First dazibao

    Dazibao is a big character poster about university professors and administrators, labeling them as "black, anti-party gangsters". This became a popular revolutionary activity during the movement.