Occussi-Ambeno 2016 Chinese Cultural Revolution, 50th anniversary: Mao

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Comment by Bruce Grenville on July 20, 2016 at 3:26am

Occussi-Ambeno 2016 Chinese Cultural Revolution, 50th anniversary

Occussi-Ambeno issued this set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Date of issue was 19th July 2016.

The four stamps feature photos of personalities associated with this historic time of change in China. Designs are:

45c - Mao Zedong & Lin Biao on rostrum;
Mao’s wife, Jiang Qing.

60c - Mao Zedong & Jiang Qing at Yenan;
Mao Zedong & Lin Biao on rostrum.

$1.35 - Celebrating crowds with flags and a giant photo of Chairman Mao Zedong.

$3 - Red Guards struggle against bourgeoisie; Chairman Mao Zedong (1893 – 1976).

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The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution was a socio-political movement that took place in China from 1966 until 1971. Set into motion by Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Communist Party of China, its goal was to preserve true Communist ideology in the country by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society, and to re-impose Maoist thought as the ideology within the Party.

The Revolution was launched in May 1966, after Mao explained that bourgeois elements had infiltrated the government and society at large, aiming to restore capitalism. He insisted that these revisionists be removed through violent class struggle. China's youth responded to Mao's appeal by forming Red Guard groups around the country. The movement spread into the military, urban workers, & the Party leadership itself. It resulted in widespread factional struggles in all walks of life. Millions of people were criticised in the violent struggles that ensued across the country, and faced a wide range of actions including public humiliation, harassment, & seizure of property. A large segment of the population was forcibly displaced, such as urban youth to rural regions. Historical relics & artifacts were destroyed. Cultural & religious sites were ransacked, & philately was outlawed.

Mao declared the Cultural Revolution over in 1969, but its active phase lasted until the death of military leader Lin Biao in 1971.