Great Leap Forward

Published Oct 25, 2023

Definition of the Great Leap Forward

The Great Leap Forward was a socio-economic campaign launched by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1958. Its main goal was to transform China from an agrarian economy into a modern socialist society through rapid industrialization and collectivization. Led by Chairman Mao Zedong, the campaign aimed to mobilize the Chinese population, particularly peasants, to increase agricultural and industrial production. However, the Great Leap Forward resulted in widespread famine, economic collapse, and the loss of millions of lives.

Example

To illustrate the impact of the Great Leap Forward, let’s consider a rural village in China during that time. Prior to the campaign, the peasants in the village owned their land and were responsible for their own agricultural production. Under the Great Leap Forward, Mao encouraged the formation of communes, whereby the land was collectivized and peasants worked together in large-scale agricultural units.

In this village, the peasants were forced to pool their labor and resources to meet production quotas set by the government. The emphasis was on increasing grain output, with little regard for other agricultural activities such as raising livestock. This led to imbalanced agricultural practices and inadequate food production.

The government’s emphasis on backyard steel production also diverted resources and labor away from agriculture. Peasants were encouraged to melt down their household metal items, such as pots and pans, to produce steel. However, the resulting steel was of poor quality and had little practical use.

With the combined effects of insufficient food production and diversion of resources, the village suffered from severe food shortages. Many villagers starved to death, and the overall productivity of the village declined as people became weaker and less able to work.

Why the Great Leap Forward Matters

The Great Leap Forward stands as a significant period in Chinese history, with lasting consequences for the nation and its people. It is an example of the dangers of rapid, centrally planned economic and social transformation without considering practical realities and the impact on the population.

The campaign’s failure highlighted the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, the value of individual and local knowledge, and the need for appropriate incentives and accountability in economic planning. It served as a lesson for policymakers around the world on the potential disastrous consequences of poorly implemented policies and the balance between state control and individual freedoms.