Communism in China

Mao Zedong

Established the People's republic of China, and the first leader of the Chinese Communist party, transformed China into a communist state after the Chinese Civil War. recognized for his controversial policies, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, which had devastating consequences for the Chinese people. He is also the originator of Maoism, a specific form of Marxism-Leninism.

Five Year Plan (Mao Zedong)

The First Five-Year Plan (1953-1957) primarily focused on heavy industry, with Soviet assistance, and laying the foundation for socialist industrialization.

Great Leap Forward

A failed Chinese campaign launced by Chairman Mao, aimed at rapidly industrializing China. It involved the formation of people's communes, a drive to increase steel production, and ultimately led to significant famine and hardship.

Cultural Revolution

A sociopolitical movement launced by Chairman Mao to purge capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society and reassert his authority.

Red Guard

A mass, student-led, paramilitary social movement mobilized by Chairman Mao in 1966 until their abolition in 1968, during the first phase of the Cultural Revolution, which he had instituted.

Deng Xiaoping

Chinese leader known as the "Architect of Modern China" for his role in transforming China into a socialist market economy through the "Reform and Opening Up" policies. He implemented significant economic and political reforms after Mao Zedong's death, leading to immense economic growth and modernization.

Four Modernizations

The plan to modernize agriculture, industry, science and technology, and national defense. This plan, promoted by Deng Xiaoping, aimed to improve the Chinese economy and create a modern, prosperous nation.

socialist market economy

An economic system where the government regulates the economy, oftern prioritizing social walfare, while also allowing market forces to operate. It aims to balance market mechanisms with government intervention.

Tiananmen Square

A large-scale pro-democracy protest movement that was violently suppressed by the Chinese government. Students and citizens gathered to demand political and economic reforms, but their peaceful demonstrations were met with a military crackdown that resulted in casualties and a widespread crackdown on dissent.