The leader of the Communist Party of China when it came to power in 1949 was Mao Zedong. Mao was born in 1893 and was one of the founding members and the chairman of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He was also the main instigator of the Chinese Revolution that led to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
Mao is one of the most influential figures in modern Chinese history and his policies ultimately shaped the country for decades to come. On October 1, 1949, Mao declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. He was the chairman of the Chinese Communist Party from 1945 and was declared the nation’s first premier in October 1949.
During his rule, Mao implemented a number of policies which had a tremendous impact on the economic and social landscape of the nation. He implemented the “Great Leap Forward” campaign which aimed to accelerate industrial production and increase the nation’s agricultural output. Although this campaign did not succeed and led to massive famine across the country, it was followed by the “Cultural Revolution”, an effort to restore and strengthen traditional cultural identities amongst Chinese citizens.
Mao’s rule also saw the implementation of reforms that developed the economy and society, such as the establishment of a public health system, compulsory education, the nationalization of industry, increased employment opportunities and improved living standards.
Mao ruled until his death in 1976, although internal power struggles had deprived him of much of his influence after about 1966. He left a legacy both positive and negative, but it cannot be denied that, during his rule, China underwent drastic changes, forging a new identity and determination that remain in place today.