Maoism, an adaptation of Marxism-Leninism, was not only a guiding ideology. It was also a powerful force that transformed China’s social, political and economic landscape during the 20th century. Under Mao Zedong’s leadership, Maoism became synonymous with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), shaping policies and governance.
For GCSE and A-Level History students, understanding Maoism is key. It helps them grasp how Mao’s interpretation of communism guided revolutionary movements and state policies. This fundamentally altered China’s trajectory.
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The Origins of Maoism
Maoism developed in response to China’s unique historical and social conditions. Unlike industrialised Western countries where Marxist theory first emerged, China in the early 20th century was a largely agrarian society. It had a large peasant population and a small industrial working class. Traditional Marxism focused on the urban proletariat as the engine of revolution. Mao adapted this theory to fit China’s reality.
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