How significant was industrialisation in changing life in China in the 1950s and 1960s? Explain your answer.

Industrialisation played a significant role in transforming China during the 1950s and 1960s, but other factors, particularly social reforms and agricultural policies, were equally, if not more, impactful in reshaping Chinese society.

The Impact of Industrialisation

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), under Mao Zedong's leadership, prioritised rapid industrialisation after assuming power in 1949. The First Five-Year Plan (1953-1957) exemplified this focus, aiming to transform China from an agrarian society into an industrial powerhouse. This plan led to significant growth in heavy industries such as coal, iron, steel, and chemicals. The CCP incentivised workers to exceed production targets through material rewards, improved living conditions, and better access to education.

Industrialisation also spurred urbanisation. New railway networks and infrastructure were built, connecting cities and facilitating the transportation of goods and people. The CCP effectively employed propaganda to motivate the workforce in factories and mines, portraying industrial work as essential to national rejuvenation.

However, the subsequent Great Leap Forward (1958-1962) demonstrated the potential pitfalls of rapid industrialisation without proper planning. This campaign, aiming to surpass British steel production in 15 years, saw the creation of communes that combined agriculture and industry. The establishment of backyard furnaces, intended to increase steel production, ultimately resulted in the production of low-quality steel. Moreover, the focus on industrial production diverted resources from agriculture, leading to the catastrophic Great Chinese Famine (1959-1961), which resulted in an estimated 20-40 million deaths. The failure of the Great Leap Forward forced the CCP to re-evaluate its approach to industrialisation.

The Significance of Other Factors

While industrialisation brought about tangible changes, other factors were instrumental in transforming Chinese society during this period. The Agrarian Reform Law of 1950 had a profound impact on rural China. This law abolished private land ownership and redistributed land among peasant families. "Speak bitterness meetings" were held to expose the alleged crimes of landlords, leading to the persecution and execution of many. This period witnessed significant social upheaval in the countryside.

Social reforms, particularly those aimed at empowering women, were another defining feature of this era. The Marriage Reform Law of 1950 outlawed arranged and forced marriages, granted women the right to divorce, and promoted gender equality. The CCP also prioritised education, dramatically increasing literacy rates. By the 1960s, basic literacy reached 90%, equipping the workforce with the skills needed for industrial development.

Furthermore, the CCP implemented free healthcare and promoted preventative medicine, leading to improvements in public health. The emphasis on modern medicine led to a decline in traditional Chinese medicine practices. However, this period also witnessed the persecution of intellectuals and dissenters, particularly during the Hundred Flowers Campaign and the Cultural Revolution. The CCP, under Mao's leadership, cultivated a cult of personality, with propaganda shaping public discourse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while industrialisation significantly impacted China in the 1950s and 1960s, it was not the sole driver of change. Social reforms, agricultural policies, and political campaigns were equally, if not more, transformative. The CCP's focus on social engineering, particularly in rural areas and with regards to gender equality, led to a radical restructuring of Chinese society. The consequences of these policies, both positive and negative, continue to shape China today.

**Source:**

CHINA, c.1930–c.1990, History Essay