PASSAGE: "The new social system has only just been established and requires time for its consolidation. It must not be assumed t
hat the new system can be completely consolidated the moment it is established, for that is impossible. It has to be consolidated systematically. To achieve its ultimate consolidation, it is necessary not only to bring about the socialist industrialization of the country and persevere in the socialist revolution on the economic front, but also to carry on constant and arduous socialist revolutionary struggles and socialist education on the political and ideological fronts. Moreover, various contributory international factors are required.” Mao Zedong, speech at the Chinese Communist Party's National Conference on Propaganda Work, 1957
QUESTION: Which of the following best explains the consequences of Mao’s plan to redistribute wealth throughout China via the program described in the passage?
A) Around 18 million political prisoners were sentenced to gulag forced-labor camps.
B) A massive famine unintentionally killed more than 30 million people, mostly because of poor planning.
C) Up to 12 million people were intentionally starved to death to crush opposition to Communist Party rule.
D) A nationwide revolt toppled Communist Party rule but was crushed by intervening Soviet military forces.
