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Great Leap Forward

Definition

The Great Leap Forward was a campaign led by the Chinese Communist Party from 1958 to 1962, under Chairman Mao Zedong's leadership. It aimed to rapidly transform China from an agrarian economy into a socialist society through rapid industrialization and collectivization.

Analogy

Think of the Great Leap Forward as trying to build a skyscraper in one day. Just like how it's impossible to construct such a massive structure so quickly without causing serious problems, the Great Leap Forward tried to speed up economic development too fast, leading to disaster - in this case, widespread famine.

Historical Context

The Great Leap Forward was a campaign initiated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under Chairman Mao Zedong from 1958 to 1962. It aimed to rapidly transform China from an agrarian society into a socialist society through rapid industrialization and collectivization. The movement emphasized large-scale infrastructure projects, the expansion of steel production, and the collectivization of agriculture across China's vast rural landscape.

Historical Significance

The Great Leap Forward had disastrous consequences, leading to one of the worst famines in human history, with an estimated death toll ranging between 15 to 45 million people. The policy failure severely damaged Mao's reputation and led to economic and social setbacks. It also prompted subsequent political struggles within the CCP and altered the course of Chinese economic development strategy, eventually leading to economic reforms in later decades.

Related terms

Collectivization: This is when the government takes control over agricultural land and resources, grouping them together into collective farms. It was part of Mao's plan during the Great Leap Forward.

Five Year Plan: These are centralized plans for economic or social development used by communist states. The Great Leap Forward was part of China's second Five-Year Plan.

Famine: A severe shortage of food resulting in widespread hunger. Unfortunately, this was one of the devastating outcomes of the Great Leap Forward due to failed policies.