ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the period 1958 through 1965, the era of the Great Leap Forward and its aftermath. It begins by explaining Mao Zedong’s reasons for promoting the Great Leap and then describes the people’s communes and the problems the Great Leap caused in both agriculture and industry. The chapter then covers the CCP divisions and debates regarding the Great Leap from late 1958 through mid-1959 and Mao’s victory in winning a return to Great Leap policies during 1959. A description of the disasters this caused, in particular the famine of 1960–1962, follows. The Sino-Soviet split is discussed. Finally, the chapter covers the policies of Liu Shaoqi, who had replaced Mao as head of state, and how he succeeded in restoring China’s economy to health. Finally, the chapter covers Mao’s hostile reaction to Liu’s policies and Mao’s efforts to return to power during 1964 and 1965.
