During the Cultural Revolution in China, which lasted from 1966 to 1976, the government promoted certain groups as 'new heroes' to align with the communist ideology. Mao Zedong, as the leader of the Communist Party, was central to this movement and was often glorified. The military and peasants were also elevated as heroes because they represented the working class and the revolutionary spirit that the Cultural Revolution sought to promote. Women, while important in society, were not specifically highlighted as new heroes during this period, as the focus was more on class struggle and loyalty to Mao's vision.