Four Olds

The term "Four Olds" refers to a campaign during China's Cultural Revolution (1966–76) that targeted "old ideas, customs, culture, and habits of mind." Launched by Mao Zedong and his supporters, including the Red Guards, this movement aimed to dismantle traditional Chinese values and replace them with Maoist ideology. The campaign led to widespread destruction of cultural artifacts, persecution of intellectuals and elders, and significant social upheaval. This was part of Mao's broader goal to revolutionize China's superstructure and ensure his successors remained loyal to his thinking. The "Four Olds" campaign was a radical departure from earlier Chinese history, such as the emphasis on Confucianism and the development of a unified culture during the Zhou dynasty. It also contrasts with the later "Four Modernizations" policy focused on economic and technological development.12345