AP US History

Answer - C - Mao Zedong launched the Cultural Revolution in China because he wanted to strengthen his base of power and discredit his rivals.

Key Takeaway: The Cultural Revolution was a period of widespread social and political upheaval in the People’s Republic of China. Waged between 1966 and 1976, the Revolution resulted in nation-wide chaos and economic disarray. It was launched by Mao Zedong, the chairman of the Communist Party of China, on May 16, 1966. Mao Zedong alleged that “liberal bourgeois” elements permeated the communist society and that these “bourgeoisies” wanted to restore capitalism. Mao insisted that these elements should be removed by mobilizing the thoughts and actions of China’s youth, who he installed as Red Guard groups around the country.