Peng Dehuai was purged primarily due to an open confrontation with Mao Zedong at the 1959 Lushan Conference, during which Mao labeled him as the leader of an "anti-Party clique." This direct challenge to Mao's authority led to Peng's removal from all influential positions for the remainder of his life.
The Lushan Conference: A Turning Point
The rivalry between Peng Dehuai, a prominent military leader and a Marshal of the People's Liberation Army, and Mao Zedong, the then-leader of the Communist Party of China, escalated significantly, reaching its climax at the Lushan Conference in the summer of 1959.
At this critical meeting, Peng Dehuai expressed criticisms regarding the policies of the Great Leap Forward, which he believed were leading to widespread famine and economic disaster. His directness and criticism were seen as a personal affront and a challenge to Mao's leadership and ideological direction.
The Accusation and Its Aftermath
Following Peng's criticisms, Mao Zedong reacted decisively. He framed Peng's objections not as constructive feedback but as a concerted effort to undermine the Party leadership. Consequently, Peng was publicly denounced:
- Accusation: Mao declared Peng Dehuai as the leader of an "anti-Party clique." This accusation effectively branded him as an enemy of the Communist Party.
- Consequence: The purge resulted in Peng Dehuai being stripped of all his influential roles and authority. He remained out of power and under political pressure for the rest of his life, a stark example of the severe repercussions for those who openly challenged Mao's policies.
Key Details of the Purge
To understand the specifics of Peng Dehuai's downfall, consider the following summary:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Individual | Peng Dehuai |
| Primary Cause | Open confrontation and direct criticism of Mao Zedong's policies (specifically the Great Leap Forward) during the Lushan Conference. |
| Key Event | The 1959 Lushan Conference. |
| Mao's Response | Labeled Peng as the leader of an "anti-Party clique," implying disloyalty and subversion. |
| Outcome | Peng was purged from all influential positions, marking the end of his political career and influence within the Party and military for the rest of his life. |
This event served as a powerful lesson within the Chinese Communist Party about the perils of opposing Mao's will, solidifying his absolute authority leading up to and during the Cultural Revolution.
