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General
Info |
| History |
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The
People's Republic of China (1949-present)
Though the
PRC started out as a bankrupt nation, the Communists were able to make
the 1950s an active period. They revived the country's economy by putting
a stop to inflation, increased industrial production, and adopted a more
equal distribution of land. Under Mao's leadership, the country enjoyed
rapid economic development. Unfortunately, Mao did make some major 'mistakes'
that caused many lives and affected China's economy, which plunged again.
The first
'mistake' was to implement the Great Leap Forward in which peasants were
urged to use excess land to produce steel and other heavy industries.
Villagers were told to build furnaces in their backyard to create steel
and each household was even given a quota to fulfill. However, this plan
failed severely and China suffered a serious famine. It is estimated that
over 30 million had died of starvation due to the Great Leap Forward.
The second
'mistake' was to implement the notorious Cultural Revolution, which lasted
from 1966 to 1977. During this period, the Red Guards were born with university
students making up most of the numbers. They were encouraged to rebel
against authority figures and to create disorder in the country. Intellectuals,
writers, poets and artists were killed, harassed, or sent to labor in
farms. All forms of publications were destroyed while temples and monasteries
were disbanded or closed down. Universities and schools were also closed.
This revolution resulted in a loss of thousands of lives; the country
was also in chaos until the revolution ended in 1970.
Mao died
on Sept. 8, 1976 and it was then time for Deng Xiaoping to rise to power.
In 1978, Deng began China's rehabilitation period, and the Cultural Revolution
was officially criticized in 1979. Deng employed a uniquely Chinese Communist
style of rule, adopting a pragmatic approach yet underlined with strict
Confucius principles, especially with regards to the economy.
Since Deng's
rule, the conditions in China have stabilized, particularly in terms of
both politics and economy. Opening China's door to the world in 1982 has
earned her further advancement and modernization. The city streets are
now filled with fast-food restaurants, shopping complexes, and a range
of entertainment outlets. However, China's long history can still be witnessed
through her performing arts, literature, architecture, and national beliefs
and attitudes. The people of China have learnt much throughout the country's
growing-up years and these experiences have helped shape the nation into
a much stronger and wiser one. The future of China is still undefined
but it would definitely be very interesting to follow.
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