Introduction:

In the spring of 1966, a defining moment unfolded in the history of the People's Republic of China, setting the stage for a decade of social, political, and cultural upheaval. This event, known as the Cultural Revolution, aimed to transform Chinese society through radical means, and May 1966 marked its initial implementation. With Chairman Mao Zedong leading the charge, millions of fervent students known as the Red Guards took to the streets, sparking a wave of tumultuous change across the nation. This pivotal moment in Chinese history signifies the start of a decade that would reshape the country's landscape and leave an indelible mark on its people.

Event Description:

The Cultural Revolution officially commenced on May 16, 1966, with the release of a circular from the Communist Party of China. The document carried the name of Mao Zedong and became known as the May 16th Circular. In this sweeping proclamation, Mao called for the formation of 'Red Guard' units comprised mainly of young students and intellectuals. Their primary mission was to uproot counter-revolutionary forces within Chinese society, including perceived bourgeois elements, traditional elites, and those who opposed Mao's vision for the country's future.

The May 16th Circular sparked an outpouring of enthusiasm among Chinese students, who formed Red Guard organizations in schools across the nation. These fervent individuals eagerly embraced Mao's call to action and became enthusiastic foot soldiers in the Cultural Revolution. They aimed to eradicate what they perceived as the remnants of traditional Chinese culture and replace it with Maoist ideology.

In the ensuing months, waves of Red Guards, dressed in their distinctive uniforms of military-style jackets, armbands, and caps adorned with Mao badges, swept through the streets, carrying the Little Red Book, which contained selected quotations from Mao. They targeted public figures, intellectuals, and individuals associated with the 'Four Olds': old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits. Institutions regarded as embodying the old and undesirable elements, including schools, museums, temples, and historical landmarks, were vandalized, looted, or destroyed.

The impact of the Cultural Revolution's beginning in May 1966 was far-reaching. Society became supplanted by an atmosphere of zealous revolutionary fervor, where loyalty to Mao and adherence to his teachings reigned supreme. Traditional hierarchy and authority were challenged and, in many cases, dismantled, resulting in widespread chaos and terror. The Red Guards' actions caused divisions among families, as older generations struggled to comprehend the radical changes occurring in their world, while younger members embraced the Red Guard's propagation of Maoist thought.

In summary, May 1966 witnessed the launch of the Cultural Revolution in China, heralded by the release of the May 16th Circular. This event marked the advent of a tumultuous period in Chinese history, where Mao Zedong's fervent followers, the Red Guards, took to the streets to eradicate perceived counter-revolutionary forces and reshape the nation. The Cultural Revolution would leave an enduring impact on China's society, politics, and culture, altering the lives of millions and forever transforming the nation's trajectory.