---
title: "Gang of Four Definition and Significance | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Gang of Four was a radical Maoist faction in China, led by Jiang Qing, that influenced Cultural Revolution politics until their arrest in 1976."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/gang-of-four"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Gang of Four was a radical Maoist faction led by Jiang Qing that dominated Cultural Revolution politics and was arrested in October 1976 after Mao Zedong's death.
- Who were the four members of the Gang of Four?
- When and how was the Gang of Four arrested?
- What happened to the Gang of Four at trial?
- How did the Gang of Four's fall affect Deng Xiaoping?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 9 September 1976

   Mao's death on removed the faction's ultimate patron and protector.

2. 6 October 1976

   On , acting Premier and Party Chairman Hua Guofeng, in alliance with Defence Minister Ye Jianying and security chief Wang Dongxing, ordered the arrest of all…

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In October 1976, weeks after Mao Zedong's death, Hua Guofeng and Ye Jianying ordered the arrest of the Gang of Four, ending the Cultural Revolution and enabling Deng Xiaoping's return to power.

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