Mao Zedong in Power (1949–1976)

Abstract From the founding of the PRC in 1949 to his death in 1976, Mao Zedong was the absolute ruler of China, albeit one whose role and behavior changed dramatically over time. In the initial period to 1956, Mao oversaw the transition to socialism in a manner largely adhering to Marxist precepts and Soviet methods, while delegating authoritative roles to top Party colleagues. From 1957 to 1965, Mao personally initiated major failed policies, most tragically the Great Leap Forward famine, which led to his criticism or removal of colleagues he relied on before 1957, but no widespread leadership purge. In the last decade of Mao’s life, the Cultural Revolution saw social and economic disruption, brutal treatment of many high-ranking leaders, Party members, and citizens, but also his efforts to mitigate excesses. Mao’s status as regime founder prevented any meaningful challenge to his authority during these “ten years of chaos.”