Hua Guofeng

ModernPoliticianChina1921 — ?

Mao designated successor who briefly led China after his death.

Compare Hua Guofeng with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1921

Country

China

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)11

Political (20%)32

Influence (20%)50

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)62

Strategy (15%)29

Total Score40.7

Hua Guofeng — Complete Timeline

1976 AD

Appointed Premier of the People's Republic of ChinaPolitical Action◆ Major

Hua Guofeng succeeded Zhou Enlai as Premier. He was Mao's chosen successor and became the paramount leader after Mao's death, overseeing the arrest of the Gang of Four.

PremiershipSuccession

Impact: national

Arrest of the Gang of FourPolitical Action

Hua Guofeng, with support from Ye Jianying and others, ordered the arrest of the Gang of Four. This ended the Cultural Revolution and led to the rehabilitation of Deng Xiaoping.

Cultural RevolutionPower Struggle

Impact: nationalconstructive

1977 AD

Promoted the 'Two Whatevers' PolicyPolitical Action◆ Major

Hua Guofeng advocated the 'Two Whatevers' policy, which stated that whatever Mao had decided must be upheld. This policy was later criticized by Deng Xiaoping as hindering reform.

IdeologyMaoism

Impact: national

1981 AD

Ousted from Power by Deng XiaopingPolitical Action◆ Major

Hua Guofeng was gradually sidelined by Deng Xiaoping and his allies. He resigned as party chairman and premier, losing all effective power, though he retained a seat on the Central Committee.

Power StruggleReform Era

Impact: national