Part 9/10:
In 1962, the ill-fated policies of the Great Leap Forward were brought to an end, but the scars it left behind were profound. The restoration of private farming and the slow re-establishment of markets marked the tentative steps toward recovery, but millions continued to suffer the consequences.
Today, Mao's role in this tragedy is a contentious topic, as many historians wrestle with the estimated death toll, ranging from 36 million to 55 million. Despite the agonizing memories of lost family members and friends who suffered during that time, China’s leadership has yet to formally reckon with the tragedy of the Great Famine — a deliberate silence that only deepens the emotional and psychological wounds of those who lived through it.