Mao Zedong's China: Transformation and Turmoil

China's Transformation Under Mao Zedong

For many centuries, China had been an imperial monarchy. In 1911, a revolution deposed the last emperor and established a republic in 1912. Conflicts with Japan were frequent, especially for the control of Manchuria, leading to various wars. During World War II, China had to defend itself from Japanese attacks.

Internally, two sides opposed each other in China: the Nationalists and the Communists. They soon engaged in a civil war. The Nationalists—led by Jiang Jieshi—were at first better equipped and received the support of the U.S. in the late 1940s, as a means to prevent the advance of Communism. However, corruption among Nationalist leaders and the growing strength of the Communists ultimately led to the Nationalists’ defeat. Communism, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, would govern from that moment on.

The Emergence of Two Chinas

Two Chinas emerged: mainland China—the People’s Republic of China (Communist)—and the Nationalist Republic of China (Taiwan). For the U.S. and its allies, the triumph of Communism in China was a significant blow.

Under Mao's leadership, China expanded its territory, incorporating Tibet and asserting claims over parts of India and southern Mongolia.

Mao's Economic and Social Reforms

In 1950, China and the USSR signed a treaty. This alliance, however, began to fracture in the late 1950s. The new government aimed to transform China. The Communist Party was strengthened and focused on restructuring the economy along Marxist socialist lines.

Key economic changes included:

• The lands of the few landowners were seized.
• Land was divided among peasants, and collectivization began.
• Industrialization was also a primary goal. Following the example of the USSR, a Five-Year Plan began in 1953.

The Great Leap Forward and Its Aftermath

Then, in 1958, Mao launched the "Great Leap Forward." Communes were created, where peasants were strictly controlled. They lived in common areas and owned nothing. This "leap" proved to be a catastrophic step backward, leading to widespread famine and economic devastation.

After this failure, a small degree of private enterprise was permitted for farmers and factory workers. However, the "Revolution" had to be boosted.

The Cultural Revolution

The Cultural Revolution engaged young people to "learn revolution by making revolution." This period saw widespread social and political upheaval. By 1968, the Cultural Revolution was brought to an end, and the Army suppressed the Red Guards, who had been instrumental in enforcing its directives. Order was gradually restored under Premier Zhou Enlai.