Mao's Hundred Flowers Campaign

The Hundred Flowers Campaign was launched by Mao Zedong in 1956 in China. Mao encouraged intellectuals and citizens to openly express their opinions and criticize the Communist Party. This movement was meant to provide freedom of expression, as well as help the government identify areas of improvement. However, after only a few months, the government abruptly ended the campaign and began a crackdown on those who spoke out against the Party.

This crackdown led to the Anti-Rightist Movement, which lasted from 1957-1959. During this time, the Communist Party purged intellectuals and citizens who had spoken out during the Hundred Flowers Campaign. Many were sent to labor camps or were publicly humiliated. Mao viewed this as a necessary step to maintain control over the government and suppress dissent. This period was marked by political repression and a lack of free speech, and many intellectuals were silenced for years to come.

Overall, the Hundred Flowers Campaign and Anti-Rightist Movement were tumultuous periods in Chinese history. While the Hundred Flowers Campaign initially offered hope for freedom of expression, the subsequent crackdown on dissent and political repression during the Anti-Rightist Movement was a step backward. Mao's desire to maintain absolute control over the government led to the suppression of intellectuals and silenced many voices of dissent for years to come.