# Jiang Qing > Chinese political figure and wife of Mao Zedong (1914–1991) **Wikidata**: [Q236017](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q236017) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiang_Qing) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jiang-qing ## Summary Jiang Qing was born on March 5, 1914, in Zhucheng.[1] She held citizenship in the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China.[2][3] Her occupations included actor, politician, and film actor, with a field spanning acting and politics.[4][5][6] She received the Royal Order of Cambodia.She was married to Tang Na (1936–1937) and Mao Zedong (1939–1976). She held the positions of spouse of the President of the People's Republic of China (1949–1959), First Lady of China (1949–1976), and member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party (1969–1976).She died on May 14, 1991, at Qincheng Prison.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Her cause of death was hanging to death. She was buried at Beijing Futian Cemetery.[15]. ## Summary Jiang Qing was a Chinese political figure and the wife of Mao Zedong, known for her influential role during the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) and as a member of the Gang of Four, a radical political faction. She was a key figure in shaping the sociopolitical landscape of China during this turbulent period. ## Biography - **Born**: March 5, 1914, or March 19, 1914 (sources vary) - **Nationality**: Chinese - **Education**: Military and Political University of Resistance Against Japan (Yan'an, Republic of China) - **Known for**: Political activism, role in the Cultural Revolution, and membership in the Gang of Four - **Employer(s)**: Chinese Communist Party (CCP) - **Field(s)**: Politics, acting ## Contributions Jiang Qing played a pivotal role in the Cultural Revolution, a Maoist sociopolitical movement that aimed to preserve Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. As a member of the Gang of Four, she was instrumental in promoting radical policies and suppressing political opponents. Her influence extended to the arts, where she advocated for revolutionary themes in literature, theater, and film. Jiang Qing also contributed to the establishment of the Military and Political University of Resistance Against Japan, where she was educated. ## FAQs ### **What was Jiang Qing's role in the Cultural Revolution?** Jiang Qing was a leading figure in the Cultural Revolution, advocating for radical policies and promoting revolutionary themes in the arts. She was part of the Gang of Four, a political faction that played a significant role in shaping the movement. ### **What was the Gang of Four?** The Gang of Four was a Chinese political faction that included Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Wang Hongwen. They were key figures in the Cultural Revolution and were known for their radical policies and political purges. ### **Where was Jiang Qing educated?** Jiang Qing attended the Military and Political University of Resistance Against Japan, located in Yan'an, Republic of China. The university was established in 1931 and dissolved in 1945. ### **What was Jiang Qing's relationship with Mao Zedong?** Jiang Qing was the wife of Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China. Their relationship was significant in Chinese politics, particularly during the Cultural Revolution. ### **What awards did Jiang Qing receive?** Jiang Qing received the Royal Order of Cambodia, a Cambodian order of chivalry established in 1864. ## Why They Matter Jiang Qing's influence on Chinese politics and culture during the Cultural Revolution was profound. Her role in the Gang of Four and her advocacy for radical policies shaped the sociopolitical landscape of China. Her contributions to the arts and her political activism left a lasting impact on Chinese society. ## Notable For - **Member of the Gang of Four**: Key figure in the Cultural Revolution. - **Wife of Mao Zedong**: Influential relationship in Chinese politics. - **Education at Military and Political University of Resistance Against Japan**: Attended a prestigious institution in Yan'an. - **Advocacy for Revolutionary Themes in the Arts**: Promoted radical policies in literature, theater, and film. - **Royal Order of Cambodia**: Received a prestigious Cambodian order of chivalry. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Jiang Qing was born on March 5, 1914, or March 19, 1914 (sources vary). She was educated at the Military and Political University of Resistance Against Japan, located in Yan'an, Republic of China. The university was established in 1931 and dissolved in 1945, and it played a significant role in training political and military leaders during the resistance against Japan. ### Political Career Jiang Qing's political career was marked by her involvement in the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), a Maoist sociopolitical movement aimed at preserving Chinese communism. She was a member of the Gang of Four, a radical political faction that included Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Wang Hongwen. The Gang of Four was known for its radical policies and political purges, which had a significant impact on Chinese society. ### Role in the Cultural Revolution During the Cultural Revolution, Jiang Qing advocated for revolutionary themes in the arts, promoting literature, theater, and film that aligned with Maoist ideology. Her influence extended to the political sphere, where she played a key role in shaping the movement's policies and suppressing political opponents. ### Relationship with Mao Zedong Jiang Qing was the wife of Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China. Their relationship was significant in Chinese politics, particularly during the Cultural Revolution. Mao Zedong's support for Jiang Qing's political activities further solidified her influence within the Chinese Communist Party. ### Awards and Recognition Jiang Qing received the Royal Order of Cambodia, a prestigious Cambodian order of chivalry established in 1864. This award highlights her international recognition and influence. ### Legacy Jiang Qing's legacy is complex and controversial. While she played a significant role in shaping the Cultural Revolution and promoting revolutionary themes in the arts, her political activities and the policies of the Gang of Four have been widely criticized. Her influence on Chinese politics and culture during this period remains a subject of study and debate. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.economist.com/node/21528262) 2. Czech National Authority Database 3. [Source](http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/303751/Jiang-Qing) 4. [Source](http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2009/jul/21/china-gang-four-expelled-archive) 5. BnF authorities 6. Mao: A Life 7. The Fine Art Archive 8. [Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50897770/jiang-qing) 9. general catalog of BnF 10. CiNii Research 11. [江青用手帕自殺成功：死前曾留“值得紀念”等字樣. people.cn. 2012](http://history.people.com.cn/BIG5/n/2012/1012/c198865-19240402-1.html) 12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 13. SNAC 14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 15. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana 16. Proleksis Encyclopedia 17. Munzinger Personen 18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 19. Virtual International Authority File 20. BBC Things 21. Catalogo of the National Library of India