China Between The Fall Of The KMT And Mao Tse

China Between The Fall Of The KMT And Mao Tse-Tung Essay s DeathThe time from 1949-1976 was a time of transition for China. Many social andeconomic changes occurred through this period. When the Kuomintang governmentcollapsed and Mao Tse-Tung assumed control, this marked the beginning of massivereformation for what would become the Peoples Republic. With Mao Tse-Tungs rule came governmental reform which led to socialbetterment. His first years of rule included careful development and reorganizationbacked by Soviet support. The landlord class was wiped out with the nationwide landreform and the land was divided among the peasantry. Equality prevailed for women andattacks where made on official corruption. Efforts were made to improve sanitation andliteracy among the people. These changes generated patriotism during Chinasinvolvement in the Korean War. While social reforms proved to be beneficial to China, attempts for industrial andagricultural growth were not as successful. From 1953-57 industrial production wasexpanded and agriculture was collectivized. But disappointing agricultural productionled to the frenzied Great Leap Forward of 1958-60. This program, initiated by Mao, wasdesigned to step up industrial production to a level with Britain and create a trulycommunal society without Russias aid; all in the course of 15 years. The project was afailure and Liu Shao-Chi temporarily took over Maos position as head of state. When differences between party leaders arose, and Mao Tse-Tung began feelingthat the revolution was exhausted, he launched the Cultural Revolution of 1966-69. Thiswas intended to stir up the conservative government/military and add more revolutionaryelements, ridding the nation of the four olds: old ideas, old culture, old customs, andold habits. These revolutions often turned into violent acts. When stability was restored,foreign relations was vastly improved. The Peoples Republic of China was admitted intothe United Nations in 1971. The time period between the fall of the KMT and Mao Tse-Tungs death was anera of revolutionary transition into a nation for the people. At one point nearly leadinginto a civil war. The key developments that occurred during this span were greatlysignificant in shaping China into what it is today.Words/ Pages : 381 / 24