China under MAO!Five-year plan and Great Leap Forward.

Prof. Ernesto Correa. Colegio Seminario.

Why did Mao want to change China?

We announce the setting up of the People´s Republic of China (PRC). Our nation from now on enter the large family of peace-loving and freedom-loving nations of the world. It will work bravely to create its own civilisation and happiness and will at the same time promote world peace and freedom. Our nation will never again be insulted. We have stood up.

Mao speaking in 1949.

How was China when he arrived to power?

• A country ruined by years of war. 

• Economically in a depression.

• It did not have the human expertise or the government institutions to drive progress forward. 

• Mao had no experience of industry or economic know-how.

THE SOVIET UNIONIn the early years of the PRC, Mao looked to the USSR as a model, and as a source of help.

Mao paid Stalin a visit in 1949 signing the Friendship and Mutual Assistance Treaty.

NATIONAL RESOURCES COMMITTEEThe NRC was set before the PRC, and aimed at analyzing resources and directing investment into industry.

AGRICULTURAL SHORTAGESThe war had led to famine and malnutrition, and Mao wanted to end these. This situation leads to the

AGRARIAN REFORM LAW 1950

Co-operative Farms

PEOPLE´S COURTS

Huang Chin-Chi was found guilty at this “people´s tribunal” of being a despotic landlord. He was shot on 17 January 1953.

INDUSTRIAL WEAKNESSESMao did not understand the economy or how industry grew – hence his failed schemes – but he realized that China was industrially backward and needed to grow to become a superpower.

So, what´s the plan?

It will take many years to raise China from her low economic position. China must use elements of urban and rural capitalism which help the national economy. Our present policy is to control not eliminiate capitalism.

Mao speaking in the early 1950s.

The Five-Year Plan 1953-1957

Plan to develop industry sector and increase the levels of production .

It planned and organised what should be produced , how, and when.

It sets aims to be achieved at the end of the period.

Propaganda…

Designer: Wang Juping (王居平 )1957, SeptemberLong live labor and friendship! Paying respects to the builders of the great Yangzi bridge(劳动和友谊万岁！向长江大桥建设者致敬 )Publisher: Changjiang wenyi chubanshe (长江文艺出版社 )Size: 77.5x48 cm.