What was Mao's big agricultural initiative that resulted in starving millions?
1 Answer
The communes and a highly centralised command economy.
Explanation:
Mao's collectivisation of agriculture into huge communes which was highly centralised led to the starvation of millions in the 50's and early 60's.
Centralised control meant that quotas were set which bore little or no resemblance to the capacities of areas in China in terms of food production. This was applicable both quantitively and in terms of arable suitability.
Mao'shostilty to foreign influence meant China was isolated from the type of agricultural and technological aid she needed to modernise. Such isolation however also reflected hostile Western foreign policy which recognised Taiwan as the official government of China into the 1970's.
Latterly the Cultural Revolution, unleashed on th mid 1960's added to the economic, political and social chaos which engulfed China and further stagnated her predominantly agrarian economy.
