Born: December 26, 1893
Died: September 9, 1976
Background
Mao was born on December 26, 1893 in the village of Shao-shan, Hunan Province of China into a poor farming family. When Mao was 18 a nationalist revolution broke out against the Manchu dynasty, this inspired Mao to enlisted in the revolutionary army. After his stint in the military he finished school and that is where his interest for politics began. When working in the Peking University library, Mao discovered Marxism and communism. Mao began to work his way up governmental ranks in china and eventually co founded the Chinese Communist Party and was the founder of the People’s Republic of China.
Died: September 9, 1976
Background
Mao was born on December 26, 1893 in the village of Shao-shan, Hunan Province of China into a poor farming family. When Mao was 18 a nationalist revolution broke out against the Manchu dynasty, this inspired Mao to enlisted in the revolutionary army. After his stint in the military he finished school and that is where his interest for politics began. When working in the Peking University library, Mao discovered Marxism and communism. Mao began to work his way up governmental ranks in china and eventually co founded the Chinese Communist Party and was the founder of the People’s Republic of China.
Significance
Mao Zedong, is commonly referred to as one of the most influential individuals in the world in the 20th century, he is also considered to be the most controversial. There is debate of Mao legacy; some believe that he was a great leader while others believe he was a tyrant.
Supporters argue he was responsible for unifying China after it had spent the last several decades in civil war. They also say he brought more rights to women and children and improved education. Another argument in support of Mao is that during his 27-year regime, his people had the highest life expectancy rate out of any other people in the world. He is also credited with industrializing and modernizing china. People say that his policies are what made China an economic super power and many of his ideas are still being used by communist organizations around the world today.
There are just as many arguments for Mao as there are against. People who argue against Mao say that his policies have influenced 40 to 70 million people, more than any other 20th century leader. People argue that because of Mao, many Chinese people were subject to starvation, forced labor and unfair executions. People suggest he was a harsh leader who did not care about his people but only about power, his later famous phrase was "political power grows out of the barrel of a gun."
Most critics of Mao are outside of China because the Chinese government censors everything in support of him. To western civilizations Mao is associated with tyranny and all of his economic ideologies have been discredited.
Mao was highly influential on China in the late 20th century, although today his legacy is in question. People who recognize communism today respect his work while everyone else has written him off.
Mao Zedong, is commonly referred to as one of the most influential individuals in the world in the 20th century, he is also considered to be the most controversial. There is debate of Mao legacy; some believe that he was a great leader while others believe he was a tyrant.
Supporters argue he was responsible for unifying China after it had spent the last several decades in civil war. They also say he brought more rights to women and children and improved education. Another argument in support of Mao is that during his 27-year regime, his people had the highest life expectancy rate out of any other people in the world. He is also credited with industrializing and modernizing china. People say that his policies are what made China an economic super power and many of his ideas are still being used by communist organizations around the world today.
There are just as many arguments for Mao as there are against. People who argue against Mao say that his policies have influenced 40 to 70 million people, more than any other 20th century leader. People argue that because of Mao, many Chinese people were subject to starvation, forced labor and unfair executions. People suggest he was a harsh leader who did not care about his people but only about power, his later famous phrase was "political power grows out of the barrel of a gun."
Most critics of Mao are outside of China because the Chinese government censors everything in support of him. To western civilizations Mao is associated with tyranny and all of his economic ideologies have been discredited.
Mao was highly influential on China in the late 20th century, although today his legacy is in question. People who recognize communism today respect his work while everyone else has written him off.
Death
At the age of 82, on September 9, 1976, Mao passed away, still holding office as Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party. His last public appearance was in a meeting with Richard Nixon, President of the United States.
He died after he experienced his third heart attack in six months; Mao had very poor health with heavy smoking and drinking habits also suffering from Parkinson's disease, all are said to be factors contributing to his death.
When word spread that Mao had died the country was in shock and full of uncertainty for what the future held was unclear because of an emanate power struggle to lead the country. Also Mao was such a prominent figure in Chinese government for such a long time, people questioned weather or not china would remain a super power without him, his death triggered the country into a state of grief.
At the age of 82, on September 9, 1976, Mao passed away, still holding office as Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party. His last public appearance was in a meeting with Richard Nixon, President of the United States.
He died after he experienced his third heart attack in six months; Mao had very poor health with heavy smoking and drinking habits also suffering from Parkinson's disease, all are said to be factors contributing to his death.
When word spread that Mao had died the country was in shock and full of uncertainty for what the future held was unclear because of an emanate power struggle to lead the country. Also Mao was such a prominent figure in Chinese government for such a long time, people questioned weather or not china would remain a super power without him, his death triggered the country into a state of grief.
Tiananmen Square Tomb
During the week succeeding his death, millions of Chinese people came to view his body and pay their last respects at is tomb. In the months after his death many people wore black armbands in remembrance of their late leader. He was mummified in a crystal coffin, which is now in a mausoleum located in Tiananmen Square.
During the week succeeding his death, millions of Chinese people came to view his body and pay their last respects at is tomb. In the months after his death many people wore black armbands in remembrance of their late leader. He was mummified in a crystal coffin, which is now in a mausoleum located in Tiananmen Square.
Citation
MAO MADE US DO IT. (February 22, 1987). New York Times.
"Mao Zedong". HistoryLearningSite.co.uk. 2014. Web.
Spence, J. D. (April 13, 1998). Mao Zedong. Time International (canada Edition), 151, 14.)
Terrill, R. (January 01, 2006). Mao now: China's transformation in the 30 years since the death of Mao Zedong has been breathtaking. But it will not be complete until the nation comes to terms with Mao's complete legacy. The Wilson Quarterly, 30, 4.)
By: Drew Witt
MAO MADE US DO IT. (February 22, 1987). New York Times.
"Mao Zedong". HistoryLearningSite.co.uk. 2014. Web.
Spence, J. D. (April 13, 1998). Mao Zedong. Time International (canada Edition), 151, 14.)
Terrill, R. (January 01, 2006). Mao now: China's transformation in the 30 years since the death of Mao Zedong has been breathtaking. But it will not be complete until the nation comes to terms with Mao's complete legacy. The Wilson Quarterly, 30, 4.)
By: Drew Witt