China's Five-Year Plans: Aims, Successes, and Failures

Main aims of China's First Five-Year Plan (1953-1957)

Rapid industrialization, development of heavy industry, creation of a socialist economy, and foundation of state-owned enterprises.

Successes of the First Five-Year Plan

Industrial output nearly tripled, transportation networks improved, major industrial centers developed, and Soviet technical assistance boosted infrastructure.

Failures of the First Five-Year Plan

Neglect of agriculture, inefficient bureaucratic planning, rising urban-rural inequality, and over-reliance on Soviet models.

Main aims of China's Second Five-Year Plan (1958-1962)

To rapidly increase industrial and agricultural output, surpass Western economies, and achieve communism through mass mobilization and communes.

Successes of the Second Five-Year Plan

Initial enthusiasm and high participation; limited early increases in steel production and infrastructure projects.

Failures of the Second Five-Year Plan

Widespread famine (up to 30 million deaths), collapse of agriculture, inflated production figures, poor-quality steel, and massive economic disruption.

Main aims of China's Third Five-Year Plan (1966-1970)

Economic recovery, national defense strengthening, regional self-sufficiency, and balanced development after the Great Leap Forward.

Successes of the Third Five-Year Plan

Improved defense and industrial base, development in interior regions (Third Front), more realistic economic planning, and some recovery in agriculture.

Failures of the Third Five-Year Plan

Cultural Revolution caused political chaos, disruption in education and production, and limited technological progress.