10. The Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)
The Chinese Cultural Revolution, initiated by Mao Zedong in 1966, was a decade-long upheaval aimed at preserving Chinese communism by purging capitalist and traditional elements from society. During this period, millions were persecuted, beaten, or killed as China sought radical change. Education and the economy stalled, while society fractured under the weight of political campaigns and social upheaval. Compared to similar revolutions, the societal chaos and lasting trauma were extreme. For more details, see Britannica.
