Key events

1958 Great Leap Forward

Intended to transform China's economy, the policy called for rapid industrialisation and the mass collectivisation of farmers. It resulted in disaster. Food production collapsed, provoking a famine in which 10-15 million people died.

1970s Communes abandoned

The commune system was gradually abandoned in favour of family farming. Prices paid for farm products were sharply increased in 1979. Peasants were also allowed far greater choice in what crops to plant. Food production rose.

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