The Gang of Four

What was the Gang of Four?

The Gang of Four was a group of 4 leading CCP members, who joined together in order to assume power once Mao died.

Who were the Gang of Four?

There were 4 key members of the gang:

• ❖ Zhang Chunqiao, a leading member of the Politburo.
• ❖ Wang Hongwen, who had long-standing affiliations to the party, first as a peasant and then as a soldier. He was chosen as Mao's successor in 1973.
• ❖ Yao Wenyuan, an official within the Office of Propaganda.
• ❖ Jiang Qing, Mao's fourth wife and the leader of the Gang of Four. She led cultural reform during the Cultural Revolution.

When did the Gang of Four operate?

The Gang of Four came together during the Cultural Revolution and operated until they were arrested in October 1976.

What were the key events of the Gang of Four?

There were 5 key events which led to the downfall of the Gang of Four:

• ❖ Following Deng Xiaoping's fall and Zhou Enlai's death, the Gang of Four believed they would assume power once Mao died.
• ❖ However, Mao appointed Hua Guofeng as premier of the PRC and the vice-chairman of the CCP following Deng's removal.
• ❖ Mao died in September 1976 and the scramble to assume the leadership began. However, with Hua Guofeng's appointment, this now meant the Gang of Four had a leadership rival within the CCP.
• ❖ The Gang of Four had limited support in the politburo and within the PLA. On the 6th October, 1976, Hua had the gang arrested on suspicion of various crimes.
• ❖ Between 1980-81, the Gang of Four faced trial for making several attempts to seize power from within the party and for their treatment of opponents. Jiang Qing was highlighted as a ringleader who carried out brutal attacks on the opposition during the Cultural Revolution.

What were the outcomes of the Gang of Four's trial?

There were 4 key outcomes from the Gang of Four's trial:

• ❖ Jiang and Zhang received life sentences.
• ❖ This initially strengthened Hua's position within the CCP as key opposition had been removed.
• ❖ However, due to the focus on the Gang of Four, Deng Xiaoping was able to secure military support and consolidate his role in the party.
• ❖ In October 1978, Deng Xiaoping was appointed paramount (supreme) leader of China.