How significant was Mao for China after 1949? IntroductionMao Zedong was born into a peasant family in 1893, who became the most important figure of 20th century China. Chairman Mao Zedong was often seen as the founder of China, who dominated the country from October 1949 until his death in 1976. After many years of weakness and disunity, Mao was the one who truly brought about the China would once again become a united country, overthrowing the imperial empire. rule the country and create the People's Republic of China. In the eyes of most Chinese people, Mao could be compared to a living god. However, not all human beings were perfect as some of Mao's weaknesses, such as unwillingness to accept responsibility for failure or being too stubborn in tolerating opposition, created a huge impact on China. Under Mao's rule there were some important initiatives that influenced China in several aspects, including the economic situation, social development and political environment. Mao also led his country through long years of unstable turbulence and tragedy. Major Initiatives Under Mao's Rule In 1949, China's economy and its people were exhausted after years of war and conflict. By the time peasants and farmers were forced into war, agricultural production had declined and food shortages were a serious problem. The nationalist Kuomintang government had abandoned the problem of soaring inflation and the financial situation had worsened. The Communist Party did not yet have full control over China as there was the power of local warlords. Other problems were China's deep social and ethnic division. Land Reforms Mao began introducing land reforms after the creation of the Republic of China. The reform was simple, essentially consisting of confiscation and redistribution... middle of paper... and transformation into a global great power. Under communist rules, China regained its independence, pride and self-respect. Progress has been made towards greater equality for women, and the majority of China's population has become more educated and healthier. However, Mao was not an administrator, with limited knowledge of economics. It is clear that tens of millions of Chinese suffered violent deaths and many millions died of famine under Mao's rule. The Chinese state exercises power unreasonably, and the victims of Mao's policies had no right to be protected by law. Mao ordered the attacks on intellectuals that rocked China's education system to discourage innovation and experimentation, leaving the country unable to develop its own advanced technology. Mao was also a ruthless dictator ready to overthrow leaders who perhaps threatened or opposed him.