China Under Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong formally declares the People's Republic of China.

Jun 9, 1949

With support from peasats and a weak opposition party (the Nationalist Party), Mao Zedong and his Communist Party gained control ovef China.

Chinese Troops Enter the Korean War

Jun 9, 1950

After watching the United States help capitalist South Korea during the Korean War, Mao sent thousands of Chinese soldiers to support Communist North Korea.

China starts its first Five Year Plan.

Jun 9, 1953

China began a series of extreme policies to develop its economy through industrialization and taking government control over Chinese businesses.

Mao begins his Hundred Flowers campaign.

Jun 9, 1957

Mao encouraged people to make suggestions, come up with solutions, and criticize the Chinese government. Many of the people who voiced their opinions were later persecuted as dissidents (someone who rebels) against Mao's government.

Mao begins his Great Leap Forward campaign.

Jun 9, 1958

From 1958-1960, Mao led his Great Leap Forward campaign. He encouraged people to produce extreme amounts of industrial and agricultural products. He also collectivized farms (brought thousands of acres of farmland together) to make agriculture more efficient.

Famine Results from the Great Leap Forward

Jun 9, 1958

Partly ecause people had few incentives to work in a Communist system and partly because of bad weather conditions, there were severe food shortages during the Great Leap Forward. Up to 55 million people starved to death.

Mao Begins the Cultural Revolution

Jun 9, 1965

Mao launched a program to get rid of China's middle class tendencies completely. He encouraged young Chinese to become Red Gaurds and attack anyone they considered a class enemy. Skilled workers were sent to do manal labor on farms as a way of re-educating themselves.

Red Guards Take Control of Local Governments

Jun 9, 1966

Mao Zedong dies.

Jun 9, 1976