First Five Year Plan (jan 1, 1953 – jan 1, 1957)
Description:
Coal production doubledElectric Power Production increased by three times the previous level
Steel production increased by four times the previous level
Causes:
To rapidly industrialise China's economy - When the Communists came to power in 1949, China was a largely agricultural and underdeveloped country with very little modern industry. Mao believed that to make China strong and independent, it needed to catch up with the West and the Soviet Union through rapid industrial growth, especially in heavy industry, coal, iron and steel and petroleum.
To strengthen Communist Central planning - The CCP wanted full control over China’s economy to build a socialist system based on state ownership and central planning. The First Five-Year Plan allowed the government to nationalise industry, direct resources, set production targets, and control all major areas of economic life.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1953
jan 1, 1957
~ 4 years