Red Guard

The Red Guard was a mass movement of young people in China during the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), initiated by Mao Zedong. Comprising mainly students, Red Guards aimed to challenge authority, promote communist ideals, and eliminate perceived enemies of the revolution. They often engaged in public struggles, destruction of traditional cultural artifacts, and enforcement of Mao’s policies. Their actions contributed to social upheaval, political purges, and widespread chaos in China. After a few years, their influence waned as the CPC leadership sought stability, but their impact left lasting scars on Chinese society and culture.