Mao Zedong (毛泽东)

Mao Zedong (毛泽东)

Mao Zedong

In 1893, Mao Zedong was born into a rich peasant family in the province of Hunan. Having moved to Beijing for an education, he encountered Marxist theory and became a founding member of the Chinese Communist Party. Mao believed, however, that Marxism should be adapted to Chinese circumstances. During the Sino-Japanese War, Mao's power in the party became undisputed and the CCP grew enormously in size. He led the party to win the Civil War and implemented many of the policies conceived during his time in Yan'an. Mao's rule brought rapid industrial growth and greater equality in rural areas but also brutal political oppression and a horrific famine.

Lauren Walden

University of Leicester.