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cover of episode Real Wives of Dictators | Jiang Qing, Chairman Mao's Wife

Real Wives of Dictators | Jiang Qing, Chairman Mao's Wife

2025/3/28
logo of podcast Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
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Explore Jiang Qing's early life, her journey from a working-class background to becoming a charismatic actor in Shanghai, and how she met Mao Zedong.
  • Jiang Qing was born in 1914, influenced by a politically tumultuous China.
  • She pursued drama and acting, adopting the stage name Lan Ping before becoming Jiang Qing.
  • Her father was abusive, and her mother fled with her, leading to a difficult upbringing.
  • Jiang Qing was drawn to the progressive and left-wing movement in Shanghai.
  • She eventually met Mao Zedong, which led to significant changes in her life.

Shownotes Transcript

For better or (mostly) worse, Jiang Qing left her mark on the 20th century.

Even before she was married to Chairman Mao, Jiang was a charismatic actor, and her passion for culture helped her spearhead the Cultural Revolution as part of the Communist Party in China, later in life.

Joining Kate for this fourth and final episode of our limited series, Real Wives of Dictators, is Linda Jaivin, author of *Shortest History of China *and the upcoming Bombard the Headquarters! The Cultural Revolution in China.

How did she make her way to the head of the Communist Party? Why did she describe herself as "Mao's dog"? And what brought about her downfall?

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

If you'd like to get in touch with the show you can contact us at [email protected]).

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All music from Epidemic Sounds.

Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.