The “sent-down youth” movement transfers urban youth to the countryside

Li Fuchun, Bo Yibo and Luo Ruiqing submitted proposals for strategic industrial construction in China’s interior, following Mao’s August 12 instruction to study how economic infrastructure could...

The 1966–1970 plan emphasized defense, self-reliance, agriculture and industry, with an important role for the Third Front. Its design reflected the deterioration of China’s relations with both...

The May 16 Circular launched a political campaign that targeted officials, intellectuals and institutions accused of revisionism. Political conflict soon disrupted schools, research, management and...

The Central Committee’s decision framed the Cultural Revolution as a mass movement to challenge alleged capitalist restoration within the Party. It empowered political mobilization but destabilized...

Radical activists declared a commune modeled on the Paris Commune after taking power from municipal authorities. The experiment raised questions about workers’ authority and political...

The Dongfanghong-1 satellite entered orbit, demonstrating advances in rocketry, electronics and research under a state-directed system. It served national prestige and security while building...

The UN General Assembly recognized the PRC as the representative of China, expanding the government’s access to international institutions. Diplomatic recognition supported later trade and...

US President Richard Nixon began a visit that helped normalize relations and reduce China’s diplomatic isolation. The opening created conditions for later trade, technology exchange and investment,...

At the Fourth National People’s Congress, Zhou called for modernization in agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology by the end of the century. The agenda anticipated the...

Mao’s death ended the leadership era that had shaped the planned economy, mass campaigns and revolutionary mobilization. Economic policy remained contested: leaders disagreed over whether to...