We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong, also known as Chairman Mao, was a Chinese revolutionary, politician, and the founding father of the People's Republic of China, which he ruled as Chairman of the Communist Party of China from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. Ideologically a Marxist–Leninist, his theories, military strategies, and policies are collectively known as Mao Zedong Thought. Mao's writings and theories are still widely cited and studied by the Chinese Communist Party and continue to influence political discourse in China to this day. He is considered by many to be one of the most important figures in world history.

Read more

Mao Zedong, also known as Chairman Mao, was a Chinese revolutionary, politician, and the founding father of the People's Republic of China, which he ruled as Chairman of the Communist Party of China from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. Ideologically a Marxist–Leninist, his theories, military strategies, and policies are collectively known as Mao Zedong Thought. Mao's writings and theories are still widely cited and studied by the Chinese Communist Party and continue to influence political discourse in China to this day. He is considered by many to be one of the most important figures in world history.

Biography

Mao Zedong was born on December 26, 1893, in Shaoshan, Hunan Province, China. He was the son of a wealthy peasant family and received a traditional Chinese education. Mao became involved in revolutionary activities while studying at the Hunan First Normal School in Changsha. In 1921, he was one of the founding members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Mao played a leading role in the CCP during the Chinese Civil War (1927-1949). He developed a military strategy known as the "people's war," which emphasized guerrilla warfare and mass mobilization. Mao's strategies proved successful, and the CCP eventually defeated the Nationalist Party (KMT) and established the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Mao Zedong Thought

Mao Zedong Thought is a body of political and military theories developed by Mao Zedong. It is based on Marxist–Leninist principles but also incorporates elements of Chinese history and culture. Mao Zedong Thought has been the guiding ideology of the CCP since its establishment and continues to influence Chinese politics today.

Some of the key elements of Mao Zedong Thought include:

  • The importance of mass mobilization
  • The use of guerrilla warfare
  • The need for a vanguard party to lead the revolution
  • The belief in the inevitability of communism

Mao's Legacy

Mao Zedong is a controversial figure in Chinese history. His policies led to the deaths of millions of people, and his Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) caused widespread destruction and chaos. However, Mao is also credited with leading China to independence and establishing it as a major world power. His legacy remains complex and contested, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in the 20th century.

Why Study Mao Zedong?

There are many reasons why people might want to study Mao Zedong. Some people may be interested in his life and career, while others may be interested in his political and military theories. Still others may be interested in the impact that Mao had on China and the world.

Studying Mao Zedong can help people to understand the history of China, the development of communism, and the Cold War. It can also help people to develop a better understanding of the world today.

How to Study Mao Zedong

There are many ways to study Mao Zedong. People can read his writings, study his life and career, or analyze his impact on China and the world. There are also many online courses and resources that can help people to learn about Mao Zedong.

Careers

There are many careers that are related to Mao Zedong. These careers include:

  • Historian
  • Political scientist
  • Journalist
  • Educator
  • Diplomat

People with a knowledge of Mao Zedong may also be well-suited for careers in government, business, and non-profit organizations.

Online Courses

There are many online courses that can help people to learn about Mao Zedong. These courses cover a variety of topics, including Mao's life and career, his political and military theories, and his impact on China and the world. Some of the most popular online courses on Mao Zedong include:

  • Creating Modern China: The Republican Period to the Present
  • Introduction to Mao Zedong Thought | 毛泽东思想概论

These courses can help people to gain a better understanding of Mao Zedong and his impact on the world.

Conclusion

Mao Zedong was a complex and controversial figure who had a profound impact on China and the world. Studying Mao Zedong can help people to understand the history of China, the development of communism, and the Cold War. It can also help people to develop a better understanding of the world today.

Path to Mao Zedong

Take the first step.
We've curated two courses to help you on your path to Mao Zedong. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about Mao Zedong: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mao Zedong.
A comprehensive reference work on Mao Zedong Thought, this encyclopedia provides in-depth entries on key concepts, events, and figures associated with Mao's ideology and its impact on China and the world.
A comprehensive and highly acclaimed biography, written by a leading scholar on Mao Zedong, this book provides a detailed analysis of Mao's political ideology, military strategies, and the evolution of his cult of personality.
A vivid and accessible account of the Cultural Revolution, one of the most tumultuous and destructive periods in Chinese history, this book explores its origins, key events, and the profound impact it had on the country and its people.
This comprehensive volume in the Cambridge History of Communism series provides an overview of the rise, development, and eventual collapse of communism in China, with a particular focus on Mao Zedong's role in shaping its ideology and institutions.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book meticulously documents the horrors of the Great Chinese Famine, caused by Mao Zedong's disastrous economic policies, and provides a searing indictment of his regime.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book provides a broad historical overview of China from the late Qing dynasty to the present day, with a particular focus on the role of Mao Zedong and the Communist Revolution in shaping the country's modern history.
This influential work, written by a Chinese-born British writer, provides a detailed account of Mao Zedong's life and career, based on extensive interviews with him and his close associates, offering valuable insights into his motivations and decision-making process.
This revealing memoir, written by Mao Zedong's personal physician, offers an intimate glimpse into the private life of the Chinese leader, exposing his hidden habits, quirks, and relationships.
This groundbreaking study examines the global impact of Mao Zedong's ideas and policies, tracing the spread of Maoism beyond China and its influence on revolutionary movements worldwide.
This concise and highly readable introduction to Mao Zedong and the Chinese Revolution provides a clear overview of the key events, personalities, and ideas that shaped the course of Chinese history in the 20th century.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser