CHINA 1949 1980 Mao Zedong Communist leader 1949

CHINA (1949 -1980)

Mao Zedong • Communist leader (1949) – Gov. took over the economy in 1949 • Factories, businesses, farmland

How Mao came to power • Nationalists vs. Communists (Civil War) Chaing Kai-shek Mao Zedong

Mao’s Radical Policies • Great Leap Forward – 1958 – Goal-to increase output from farms/factories – Step backward • • Rushed people to work Ignored planning and need for experience Ex. Steel production-led to backyard furnaces Less farmers + poor weather = famine (30 million people died 1959 -61

• Cultural Revolution – 1966 – Goal-To create a new society with no ties to the past – Closed schools and urged students to rebel against teachers/families/doctors/artists/Professors

• Students formed the RED GUARD-bands of radicals • Destroyed ancient buildings • Threatened Mao’s Gov. • Kept China in turmoil until 1976

Taiwan • 1949 • Nationalists fled here • Set up a Free Enterprise System – Choose jobs – Start businesses – Own property – Make profits

Changes in China • 1970 -1980’s – Joins the UN in 1971 – 1972 Pres. Nixon was the first President to visit China. Trade established – Mao dies in 1976 – 1980’s improved farming, science, industry, defense – Privately owned businesses

China Today • Economic power • One party system-Communist • Poor human rights