The Great Leap Forward, 1958-62

What was the Great Leap Forward?

The Great Leap Forward was the Second Five Year Plan, which aimed to continue the modernisation of China's industry and make it a world power.

Who introduced the Great Leap Forward?

The plan was introduced by Liu Shaoqi on behalf of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.

When was the Great Leap Forward?

The plan was launched in May 1958 and ran until 1962.

Why was the Great Leap Forward introduced?

There were 5 reasons the Great Leap Forward was introduced:

• ❖ Mao wanted to continue the progress China had made in the First Five Year Plan.
• ❖ Collectivisation, both fed the workforce, and provided a surplus that was exported and used to fund industry.
• ❖ There was a genuine belief that socialism was the system of governance to follow in light of the Soviet Union's achievements, such as victories in the space race.
• ❖ Mao wanted to be self-sufficient and not rely on foreign interests or influence, especially from the Soviet Union.
• ❖ Mao was headstrong and believed anything was possible.

What were the key features of the Great Leap Forward?

The Great Leap Forward had 5 key features:

• ❖ Huge projects were commissioned to help drive industry forwards. Projects such as bridges, canals and dams were all constructed during this period.
• ❖ All private business came under state control, allowing for greater command over production.
• ❖ There was a huge drive behind steel production, so much so that 600,000 'backyard furnaces' were set up in family backyards.
• ❖ The move from APCs to full collectivisation was confirmed and enforced. This allowed control over the supply of food to workers.
• ❖ It involved the whole population.The Great Leap Forward utilised all workers to reach common goals.

What were the effects of the Great Leap Forward?

The Great Leap Forward had a fairly poor outcome. It had 6 important effects, most of which were failures:

• ❖ Success: Production increased in all areas. Coal saw the biggest output, peaking at around 300 million tonnes in 1960.
• ❖ Failure: Collectivisation was one reason for the Great Famine, in which 50 million people died.
• ❖ Failure: Steel production from 'backyard furnaces' was of poor quality and couldn't be used.
• ❖ Failure: Wider business production decreased due to state ownership. The lack of profit motivation meant there was no desire to produce.
• ❖ Failure: As Mao wanted to distance China from Soviet influence, he allowed the Soviet experts to leave the country before China was in a position to replace and operate without them.
• ❖ Failure: Mao resigned as head of state and was humiliated. He went into hiding and made few public appearances.