6 Defining Moments in the Life of Jiang Qing

Jiang Qing was the wife of Mao Zedong and a significant political figure during the Cultural Revolution in China. She was a key member of the Gang of Four.

1939-11-20

1939-11-20

Marriage to Mao Zedong

Jiang Qing married Chinese leader Mao Zedong, becoming his fourth wife and gaining political influence.

25

personal

1966-05-16

1966-05-16

Cultural Revolution involvement

Became a prominent leader in the Cultural Revolution, heading efforts in arts and propaganda.

52

political

1969-04-01

1969-04-01

Role in Gang of Four

Gained leadership in the Gang of Four, a political faction that controlled aspects of the Communist Party during the Cultural Revolution.

55

political

1976-10-06

1976-10-06

Downfall of the Gang of Four

Arrested along with other members of the Gang of Four shortly after Mao Zedong's death.

62

political

1981-01-25

1981-01-25

Trial and sentencing

Put on trial for crimes committed during the Cultural Revolution and sentenced to death, later commuted to life imprisonment.

66

judicial

1991-05-14

1991-05-14

Death in prison

Committed suicide in prison, reportedly by hanging herself with a bedsheet.

77

personal

Photos

Photos

Jiang Qing

"Jiang Qing" by xuliqin is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/.