How was Deng Xiaoping's brand of communism different than Mao Zedong's?
1 Answer
Deng recognised the need for China to modernise. he also recognised he had to move towards a market economy and to to use foreign aid to achieve this goal.
Explanation:
Mao did try to modernise China when in power from 1949 until his death in 1956. However Mao was highly suspicious of foreign influence in China given the country's history of being exploited by powers such as Britain.
This accompanied by the recognition of Taiwan rather than communist China by the international community meant that China was held back by decades of international isolation.
Mao also pursued a highly centralised, state controlled agricultural and industrial infrastructure, which often proved disastrous. The Great Leap Forwards launched in 1958 and the setting up of communes are two examples.
Deng came to power after a power struggle following Mao's death. He led reformers at the top of the communist party. Deng opened up China to foreign influence through The Great Leap Outwards. he also introduced the Four Modernisations in agriculture, industry, defence and science and technology. Under Deng and his successors, there has been an explosion within China economically. Both agriculture and industry has moved to a market economy, although the state still owns the land.
This has led to a general increase in living standards and incredible wealth for those who are at the top and have been able to often exploit their membership of the communist party elite. However it has to be remembered that hundreds of millions live in abject poverty.
