What change occurred in China after Mao's death in 1976?

After Mao's death in 1976, a significant change in leadership dynamics was observed with the arrest of the Gang of Four. This group, which included Mao's widow Jiang Qing, was emblematic of the radical policies and turmoil of the Cultural Revolution. The Gang of Four was largely responsible for promoting extreme ideological campaigns that had caused widespread chaos and suffering in China. Their arrest marked a shift away from radical policies and allowed for a new leadership under Deng Xiaoping, which favored economic reform and modernization.

This pivotal moment helped pave the way for the implementation of market-oriented reforms, leading to significant economic growth in China in the years that followed. The moderate leaders who took control after this event were instrumental in steering the country towards a more pragmatic approach to governance and economic strategy. The arrest of the Gang of Four symbolized a rejection of the extreme ideological currents that defined the previous decade and opened the door for a more stable and productive period in Chinese history.