Part 1/6:
Understanding Mao's Legacy and Taiwan's Contrast
In the historical discourse surrounding China, the figure of Mao Zedong often invokes strong opinions regarding his legacy, particularly in relation to the subsequent economic reforms and growth in China. Some argue that Mao's extreme policies and brutal governance served as a crucial counterexample for future reformers. This perspective suggests that witnessing the consequences of the Great Leap Forward—a campaign initiated by Mao that led to widespread famine and suffering—encouraged leaders to abandon strict communist ideologies in favor of pro-growth policies.