China under Mao: The party, state, and society

Mao’s China (1949–1976) is the most influential period of Chinese history as this era heralded the unprecedented socio-political transformation from the imperial agrarian state to the modern party-state. From the end of the World War II, Mao’s policies exerted a far-reaching impact on China and its geopolitics. The socio-political systems established in Mao’s China continue largely intact to the present day, such as the Communist party system, ideologies, social control, military, and foreign strategies. The history of Mao’s China is of significant importance for understanding China and the world today.