Great Leap Forward (jan 1, 1958 – jan 1, 1962)

Description:

This was aimed to create a Socialist Utopia
Massively industrialise the country
Bring central control to the 600 million people littered in the countryside.

93.5% of farming became collectivized (1957)

Use the Soviet Model, but utilise mass mobilisation (manpower) to bring the factories to the people

Mao in 1958: “With 11 million tons of steel next year and 17 million tons the year after, the world will be shaken. If we can reach 40 million tons in five years, we may possibly catch up with Great Britain in seven years. Add another eight years and we will catch up with the US.”

Methods and results:
Use a Commune system under the control of a cadre to industrialise and bring about massive grain / agricultural increases
Ideological purity over expertise
Cadre Control
Backyard Kilns – Pig Iron
Four Pests Campaign
Show fields

Results: 
Arguably the single greatest human disaster in Modern History. Between 20 – 60 million people starved
Early 1960 the radical ideas were dropped, privatization brought in some respects
Massive division in the Party, Mao forced to step back in party affairs. Creates a key cause for the upcoming Cultural Revolution

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