2. Introduction
In 1958, China, the communist country was undergoing a social
change. Lead by Mao Zedong, the Chairman of the Communist Party
of China, there was a massive social revolution with the intention of
converting many of the population to industry and labour, and away
from farming. It was known as the ‘Great Leap Forward’, and was
seen as a way for China to become the greatest country in the world.
However it ended in catastrophe, and the deaths of around 30 million
people. This was due to a large famine which swept through the
country, killing very many. After this, Mao was criticized and forced to
take a more marginal role in China’s politics. The country would never
be the same again.
