Condition of China at Mao's death

Mao's health declined in his last years. In March and July of 1976, he suffered two major heart attacks and then a third one on 5 September, which rendered him invalid.

He died on 9 September 1976 at the age of 82.

At the time of his death, China was in a state of political and economic dilemma. The Cultural Revolution, plus conflicts among different factions, had left the country poorer than it had been in 1965. Many schools had been closed and an entire generation of youngsters were unable to obtain an education.

After Mao's death, the Gang of Four were expected to take complete power of the government. However, they were eventually outmanoeuvred by the Politburo.

Last public appearance of Mao