Question

How did the Mao Era set the stage for contemporary China?

Answer 1

Mao is considered to be the principle Chinese Marxist theorist, soldier and the statesman who led China's communist revolution. He was the leader of Chinese Communist Party from 1935 until his death and he was also chairman ( Chief of State ) of the People's Republic of China until his death.

He brought urban and agrarian reforms throughout his leadership via China's First Five Year Plan ( 1953-57 ), the Great Leap Forward ( 1958- 60 ), and also the Cultural Revolution from 1966-1976. Most of his programs had disastrous effects on the Chinese subjects and its economy. He resorted to authoritarian tactics to maintain his hold over the country.

Mao's aims such as those of combating bureaucracy, encouraging people's participation, and emphasizing China’s self-reliance were mostly laudable—and the industrialization which started during Mao’s reign did indeed lay a foundation for China’s remarkable economic development since the late 20th century—but the methods he used to pursue them were often violent and undemocratic.