Stage 3: End of the Cultural Revolution

• 1.April Fifth Movement

  • In January 1975, Zhou Enlai became very ill.
  • Deng Xiaoping took charge of the daily business of the CPC Central Committee.
  • When Deng questioned the correctness of the Cultural Revolution, Mao started the Criticize-Deng Campaign.
• 1.April Fifth Movement

  • In January 1976, Zhou died.
  • Later in April, people gathered at Tiananmen Square to mourn the dead premier and protest against the Gang of Four.
  • Mao called in troops to disperse the crowds, and the April Fifth Movement took place.
  • Mao dismissed Deng from all posts inside and outside the party, and appointed Hua Guofeng as successor.
• 2. End of the Cultural Revolution

  • In September 1976, Mao died.
  • Within a month of his death, Hua Guofeng staged a coup to arrest the Gang of Four.
  • The fall of the Gang of Four marked the end of the Cultural Revolution.
  • In October 1976, Hua Guofeng became the CPC chairman.