Story Highlights
- Historical event:
- 14 May 1991
- After the Communists came to power in China, Ms. Mao (Jiang Qing) had a significant role as the first lady. In 1969 she became a member of the Politburo. At the end of Mao's governance, she was one of the most powerful political figures in China.
The wife of Mao Tse-tung, known as Madame Mao in the West, died on this day in 1991.
She used many names during her life due to her artistic career, and revolutionary events in China at the time. She was also addressed as “Jiang Qing”.
Jiang was born in the city of Zhucheng in China in 1914. She became a famous actress and a communist.
Before she started her relationship with Mao Tse-tung, she had been married twice, and had many partners (similar to Mao Tse-tung).
They started their relationship when she was approximately 24 years old, and he was at the age of 44. They married in 1938, in a private ceremony.
After the Communists came to power in China, Ms. Mao had a significant role as the first lady. For example, she was engaged in film industry, theater and opera.
In 1969 she became a member of the Politburo. At the end of Mao’s governance, she was one of the most powerful political figures in China.
After Mao’s death, her opponents eventually prevailed, and she didn’t become one of the leaders of China. Jiang was arrested, and sentenced to death. However, her sentence was commuted to a life imprisonment.
After being released for medical treatment, Jiang Qing died on this day in 1991, aged 77.
