Wang Hongwen

Profession: Politician

Nationality:

Biography: Wang Hongwen was a Chinese political figure best known for his involvement in the Cultural Revolution and as a member of the Gang of Four. The Gang of Four was a political faction within the Communist Party of China that played a significant role in this violent period of Chinese history.

Wang Hongwen's rise to prominence was rapid and closely associated with the Cultural Revolution, initiated by Mao Zedong in 1966. Wang worked in a textile factory in Shanghai and became active in the factory's Red Guard organization. His revolutionary zeal and alignment with Maoist ideology quickly garnered the attention of higher-ups in the Communist Party.

During the Cultural Revolution, Wang rapidly ascended the political ladder. He was a notable figure at the 9th Congress of the Communist Party of China in 1969. At this congress, Wang was elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Communist Party, making him one of the youngest political leaders in the party's history. His rise was seen as symbolic of Mao's efforts to promote younger, more radical leaders into positions of power.

As a member of the Gang of Four, which included Mao's wife Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, and Yao Wenyuan, Wang Hongwen played a significant role in the political campaigns and purges of the Cultural Revolution. This group was known for its harsh tactics and extreme interpretation of Maoist thought, contributing to widespread social and political chaos.

Following the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, the Gang of Four lost their primary support and political leverage. Wang Hongwen and the other members of the Gang were arrested and subsequently tried for a series of crimes, including instigating the turmoil and excesses of the Cultural Revolution. In 1981, Wang was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Born: December 6, 1935
Birthplace: Xinjing, Manchukuo, China

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: August 3, 1992 (aged 56)