The Anti-Rightist Campaign
The Anti-Rightist Campaign under the Great Leap Forward (GLF) was a political movement in the People’s Republic of China launched by the Chinese Communist Party, in 1957. It was aimed at suppressing perceived “rightist” elements within the party and society. During the Great Leap Forward, which began in 1958, there were significant economic and social disruptions, including the rapid collectivisation and industrialisation efforts. These policies led to widespread famine and economic hardships. The Anti-Rightist Campaign was initiated to target intellectuals, writers, and party members who expressed criticism and doubts about the policies of the Chinese Communist Party. Many of those who were labelled as ‘rightists’ were subjected to prosecution, public humiliation, forced labour, and other forms of punishment. This campaign plays a significant role in silencing dissent and consolidating the Chinese Communist Party’s control over the intellectual and political landscape. It had a profound impact on Chinese society and politics, contributing to the climate of fear and conformity that characterised the Maoist era in China.