文化大革命, or the Cultural Revolution, was a sociopolitical movement in China initiated by Mao Zedong in 1966. Its primary goal was to preserve Communist ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. The movement led to widespread chaos, persecution of intellectuals, and the destruction of cultural heritage. The Cultural Revolution lasted until 1976 and significantly impacted Chinese society, education, and economy. Many people were publicly humiliated, imprisoned, or killed during this period. The movement officially ended with Mao's death, leading to a shift in policies and a focus on economic reform under Deng Xiaoping.