After Mao Zedong's death, the Central Guard Bureau under Wang Dongxing's control arrested the Gang of Four overnight at the Huirentang, testing the multiplication logic of absolute control over guards and personnel at the core of power.
After Mao Zedong died in September 1976, Hua Guofeng, together with Ye Jianying and others, smashed the Gang of Four on October 6, and was elected Chairman of the CCP Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission that same night; earlier, on April 30, Mao Zedong had written for him: "You handle it, I'm at ease."
In October 1976, the operation to arrest the Gang of Four inside Zhongnanhai was carried out by the Central Guard Regiment (Unit 8341), with Zhang Yaoci leading dozens of guard soldiers to carry it out; at the time Wang Dongxing concurrently served as director of the CCP Central Committee General Office and head of the Guard Bureau.
On September 9, 1976, Mao Zedong passed away. Newspapers across the country reported his death with black borders and large-scale memorial activities were held. The grassroots society was plunged into an extreme political atmosphere, with the public required to participate in collective mourning. Those with problematic family backgrounds faced severe political suppression during this period.
The author turned 10 years old on September 9, 1976, the same day Mao Zedong passed away. He recalls that after Mao's death, he could no longer celebrate his birthday. He describes the societal reaction to Mao's passing, including official media's mourning and some citizens' expressions of grief.
Mao Zedong passed away on September 9, 1976.
Mao Zedong died in Beijing on September 9, 1976, after which China ended the period of Mao Zedong's personal rule.
In the early morning of July 28, 1976, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tangshan, Hebei Province, causing massive casualties and property damage.
In October 1976, the ten-year-long Cultural Revolution ended with the "downfall of the Gang of Four"; the prolonged political campaigns had a severe impact on China's economy.