Zhang Chunqiao

ModernPoliticianChina1917 — 2005

Gang of Four member, radical leftist.

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Quick Facts

Born

1917

Died

2005

Country

China

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)15

Political (20%)26

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)25

Total Score40.0

Zhang Chunqiao — Complete Timeline

1938 AD

Joined the Chinese Communist PartyPolitical Action

Zhang Chunqiao joined the CCP in 1938 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. He became a propaganda official in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia border region, building his political base.

CCPPropagandaEarly Career

Impact: nationalconstructive

1966 AD

Rose to Power During the Cultural RevolutionPolitical Action◆ Major

Zhang Chunqiao became a leading figure in the Cultural Revolution, serving as head of the Shanghai Revolutionary Committee. He orchestrated the seizure of power from local party officials and promoted radical Maoist policies.

Cultural RevolutionShanghaiRadicalism

Impact: nationaldestructive

1976 AD

Arrested as a Member of the Gang of FourPolitical Action

Zhang Chunqiao was arrested on October 6, 1976, along with other Gang of Four members, in a coup led by Hua Guofeng and the military. This ended the Cultural Revolution and led to his trial and imprisonment.

Gang of FourArrestEnd of Cultural Revolution

Impact: national

1981 AD

Sentenced to Death with a Two-Year ReprievePolitical Action◆ Major

Zhang Chunqiao was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve in 1981 for his role in the Cultural Revolution. The sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. He was released on medical parole in 1997 and died in 2005.

TrialSentencingGang of Four

Impact: national