The Great Leap Forward

Overview

In 1949, after decades of revolution, invasion and civil war, Mao Zedong finally takes control of China. Chairman Mao proclaims it a 'People's Republic', but democracy is not on the agenda. Instead, he wields absolute power in an authoritarian government determined to rebuild China in line with his communist ideals. In the years that follow, his regime will oversee the expansion of China's influence and its transformation into a major player on the international stage. But in his attempts to revolutionise Chinese society, Mao will also unleash catastrophic violence and sow the seeds of humanitarian disaster.