jan 3, 1958 - Mao launches the "Great Leap Forward", a five- year economic plan. Farming is collectivized and labor-intensive industry is introduced. The drive produces economic breakdown and is abandoned after two years. Disruption to agriculture is blamed for the deaths by starvation of millions of people following poor harvests.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 3, 1958
Now
~ 68 years ago