Essay/Term paper: China between the fall of the kmt and mao tse-tung's death

Essay, term paper, research paper:  History Essays

China Between The Fall Of The KMT and Mao Tse-Tung's Death


The time from 1949-1976 was a time of transition for China. Many social
and economic changes occurred through this period. When the Kuomintang
government collapsed and Mao Tse-Tung assumed control, this marked the beginning
of massive reformation for what would become the People's Republic.
With Mao Tse-Tung's rule came governmental reform which led to social
betterment. His first years of rule included careful development and
reorganization backed by Soviet support. The landlord class was wiped out with
the nationwide land reform and the land was divided among the peasantry.
Equality prevailed for women and attacks where made on official corruption.
Efforts were made to improve sanitation and literacy among the people. These
changes generated patriotism during China's involvement in the Korean War.
While social reforms proved to be beneficial to China, attempts for
industrial and agricultural growth were not as successful. From 1953-57
industrial production was expanded and agriculture was collectivized. But
disappointing agricultural production led to the frenzied Great Leap Forward of
1958-60. This program, initiated by Mao, was designed to step up industrial
production to a level with Britain and create a truly communal society without
Russia's aid; all in the course of 15 years. The project was a failure and Liu
Shao-Ch'i temporarily took over Mao's position as head of state.
When differences between party leaders arose, and Mao Tse-Tung began
feeling that the revolution was exhausted, he launched the Cultural Revolution
of 1966-69. This was intended to stir up the conservative government/military
and add more revolutionary elements, ridding the nation of the 'four olds':
old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits. These revolutions often
turned into violent acts. When stability was restored, foreign relations was
vastly improved. The People's Republic of China was admitted into the United
Nations in 1971.
The time period between the fall of the KMT and Mao Tse-Tung's death was
an era of revolutionary transition into a nation for the people. At one point
nearly leading into a civil war. The key developments that occurred during this
span were greatly significant in shaping China into what it is today.