Which radical group was Jiang Qing associated with in the context of the Cultural Revolution?

Jiang Qing was associated with the Gang of Four during the Cultural Revolution in China, which played a significant role in promoting the radical policies of that era. The Gang of Four consisted of four influential party leaders, including Jiang Qing, who was Mao Zedong’s wife. They were instrumental in pushing for extreme leftist ideologies and the purging of perceived enemies during the Cultural Revolution, which lasted from 1966 to 1976.

The Gang of Four was known for promoting cultural and ideological campaigns that aimed to reshape Chinese society according to the principles of Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought. Their actions led to widespread persecution of intellectuals, as well as an atmosphere of chaos and fear as they encouraged the youth to challenge authority and engage in revolutionary activities.

While the Red Guards were a significant mobilizing force during the Cultural Revolution, especially among students, the Gang of Four was the leadership group orchestrating these movements. Their eventual fall from power after Mao's death marked the end of an era characterized by radical political upheaval in China. Thus, the association of Jiang Qing with the Gang of Four is fundamental to understanding the political dynamics of the Cultural Revolution and the shifts in leadership that occurred post-Mao.