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Yet, it was the Cultural Revolution that marked one of the darkest chapters in Mao's legacy, a movement initiated to solidify his hold on power as he faced challenges from within the party. Following his demotion, Mao rallied the youth, notably the Red Guards, to assert control and suppress dissent. This group, comprised of idealistic teenagers, was given the power to challenge authority figures, including teachers, leading to widespread turmoil reminiscent of a civil war. The societal impact was catastrophic, as the educational system was gutted, and cultural institutions were disrupted, leading to long-term consequences for the nation’s intellectual and educational fabric.