Question

Consider the conditions in China during Mao Zedong’s rule (1949 to 1976) and after his rule (1976 to the present). Compare and contrast China during those two periods. In two paragraphs, describe the Chinese economy, politics, and social issues before and after Mao’s rule.

Answer 1

Before Mao Zedong: China was underdeveloped with healthcare facilities and educational institutions only serving the privileged upper class. During this period, there were outlaws that performed despicable deeds such as massacring people. Furthermore, the country's ruling power was divided into several tribe chieftains, warlords, and dynasties. In short, there was no central ruling body. Slavery was commonplace and women were not respected and were treated as possessions.

After Mao Zedong's rule, the women were finally recognized and given the same privileges that men had. Warlords which have been dominating their territories and living off the people's hard earned tributes for countless years were uprooted. Slavery as well as headhunting, which were common practices, were greatly discouraged and over time, were phased out. Poverty was greatly diminished and the people's life expectancy lengthened. With more access to healthcare facilities, the previous life expectancy which was set at 40 increased to 70.

Answer 2

China Under Mao :

The farmer co-ops that Mao established helped farmers share land, tools, resources, and profits. Urban income and life expectancy increased. However, Mao’s Great Leap Forward contributed to widespread crop failures and the starvation of millions of Chinese people. During the Cultural Revolution, Mao closed down all schools and appealed to the youth to help spread his communist ideas. There were confrontations between Mao’s Red Guards and local police, thus threatening another civil war. The Red Guards started oppressing the intellectuals, who were believed to hold anti-communist views. The Red Guards also destroyed ancient cultural and historical artifacts. Urban factories could not survive. They shut down and economy suffered.

China After Mao :

After Mao, Deng Xiaoping came to power and started focusing on agriculture. He put an end to farmer co-ops. Farmers began cultivating land privately, and agricultural profits increased. Job opportunities increased and people started migrating from rural areas to cities. Deng appealed to the youth to go abroad for higher education. He encouraged foreign countries to do business in China. As a result, China’s economy started growing rapidly. However, China has struggled with some human rights issues, including its one-child policy, poor labor conditions, and strict censorship practices. But today, China is part of the UN Security Council and is one of the most powerful economies in the world.

Hope this helps! x.