English Translation: "Mercy towards counterrevolutionaries is cruelty towards the people."
The Campaign to Suppress Counterrevolutionaries, launched in 1950, aimed to identify and eliminate perceived counterrevolutionary elements that were considered a threat to the new Communist regime. The slogan reflects the belief that being lenient or merciful towards these counterrevolutionaries would ultimately be harmful to the well-being and security of the people.
During this campaign, individuals deemed as counterrevolutionaries were often subject to arrest, imprisonment, forced labor, and even execution. The slogan served as a justification for the harsh treatment and punishment of those labeled as enemies of the revolution. It conveyed the message that any leniency or compassion shown towards counterrevolutionaries would undermine the revolutionary cause and the interests of the people.
The slogan reflects the ideology of the Communist Party at that time, which viewed the elimination of counterrevolutionary forces as essential for the consolidation of the new socialist state. It underscores the notion that in order to protect the gains of the revolution and ensure the stability and progress of the socialist society, the Party had to take decisive and often harsh measures against perceived enemies.
English Translation: "Execute the traitors."
The goal of the 1950-launched Campaign to Suppress Counterrevolutionaries was to uncover and eradicate counterrevolutionary groups that the new Communist rule saw as posing a threat. The slogan expresses the idea that traitors and allies of the adversary should be dealt with harshly and quickly.
People who were considered traitors during this campaign were frequently arrested, imprisoned, and executed. The catchphrase was used as a rallying cry to support the severe prosecution and execution of those who were accused of betraying the revolution and assisting hostile or foreign forces.
The slogan captures the Communist Party's ideology at the time, which saw traitors and collaborators as risks to the safety and stability of the new socialist state as well as opponents of the revolution. It sent the message that in order to safeguard the interests and welfare of the populace, such people should be dealt with quickly and decisively.
English Translation: "Suppress counterrevolutionaries, ensure a bright future."
The use of the term "反革命" (counterrevolutionaries) refers to individuals or groups believed to be opposing or undermining the socialist revolution and the Communist Party's rule. The campaign aimed to identify and neutralize these perceived enemies through various means, including arrests, interrogations, trials, and, in some cases, executions.
The slogan suggests that by suppressing counterrevolutionaries, the Party would secure a bright and promising future for the nation. It reflects the Party's belief that eliminating opposition and dissent would safeguard the achievements of the revolution and enable the construction of a socialist society based on Marxist principles.
The emphasis on "保障好光景" (ensure a bright future) highlights the Party's vision of a prosperous and harmonious society free from counterrevolutionary threats. It conveys the idea that suppressing counterrevolutionaries is necessary to maintain social stability, consolidate the Party's authority, and promote economic development.
In hindsight, the Campaign to Suppress Counterrevolutionaries and slogans like "镇压反革命，保障好光景" are seen as part of a broader period of political repression in China, characterized by the suppression of dissent and the stifling of political freedoms. The slogan reflects the Party's determination to eliminate perceived threats to its rule and create a unified and stable socialist society.