ABSTRACT
The first publicized outbreaks of violence erupted at the Zhejiang Hemp Mill on 16 July 1967 and at the Hangzhou silk complex on 31 July 1967. The intervention of outside military forces in Zhejiang may have helped to stabilize a chaotic situation, but it also exacerbated tensions between the two mass organizations, ensnared both local military forces and outside troops in the dispute, and thereby brought about tense relations between local and outside PLA units. One of the most sensational and significant events of the Cultural Revolution in Zhejiang took place. The festering antagonism between Red Storm and United Headquarters erupted into open conflict in late July 1967. The Wuhan incident of 20 July provided the spark that set off the blaze. During the month of August 1967 a series of violent incidents shook in Zhejiang. To arm themselves for the forthcoming battles, the rebels needed weapons and only the military could supply them.
