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- This file is copyright of Jens Schriver (c)
- It originates from the Evil House of Cheat
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- Essay Name : 445.txt
- Uploader : Harry Sackz
- Email Address :
- Language : english
- Subject : Countries
- Title : China's Depression
- Grade : 10
- School System : Private
- Country : USA
- Author Comments : shows depressing problems in China duing the 1970s
- Teacher Comments : none
- Date : 10/31/96
- Site found at : link
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- 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.
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