Question

The charts show coal and steel production during China’s first Five-Year Plan.

Answer 1

Answer:

Success because production in both of these industries soared.

Explanation:

The first five year plan in China was implemented by Mao Zedong from 1953 to 1957. It was modeled after the Soviet's five year plans, and the main goal was to increase Chinese industrial output in heavy industries, particularly steel and coal.

The plan, as can be seen in the charts, was a success in this sense. Both coal and steel production increased, and this lead to an improvement of the quality of life of the Chinese population, particularly in urban areas.

However, there were some problems with the plan, especially at the end of its running years. For example, it did not benefit the rural populations as much because it was not focused on agriculture, and food production could not keep pace with coal and steel output. This fact increased the economic differences between the cities and the countryside.