- Main article: History of China
From a political point of view, the People's Republic of China had, for several decades, been known as the political entity that is often synonymous with Mainland China. Historically, the same name but implies the most recent of historical eras in Chinese history that was preceded by thousands of years of imperial dynasties and the Republic. The era officially began on China proper on October 1, 1949, when, after a near complete victory in the Chinese Civil War, Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic of China on top of Tiananmen. The era is what is now known as the History of the People's Republic of China. This span of history thus lasts between 1949 and the present, and included decades of political struggle, economic and social reform, as well as many movements that left a permanent mark both inside China and on a much larger, international scale.
Socialist transformation under Mao Zedong (1949-1976)
- Main article: History of the People's Republic of China (1949-1976)
The People's Republic of China between 1949 and 1978 was marked by the era of Mao Zedong, who ruled from the 1949 until his death in 1976. It saw various political campaigns that led to disasters, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Mao's political ideology left a legacy that can still be seen throughout China and Mao's subsequent rulers.
The rise of Deng Xiaoping and economic reforms (1976-1989)
- Main article: History of the People's Republic of China (1976-1989)
After the era of Mao Zedong, China embarked on the road of reform. Deng Xiaoping was China's de facto leader during this time.
Growth of an economic power under the third generation (1989-2002)
- Main article: History of the People's Republic of China (1989-2002)
The People's Republic of China improved its economic state due to the reclamation of Hong Kong in 1997 although its relationship with the United States took a turn after a controversy surrounding an American spy plane in 2001. Jiang Zemin was the president of the People's Republic of China from 1993 into the twenty-first century. Ties with Russia were strengthened with the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.
The People's Republic of China today (2002-present)
- Main article: History of the People's Republic of China (2002-present)
At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the People's Republic of China is facing challenges as the country became the origin of such diseases as Severe acute respiratory syndrome, and the media censorship and the political status and future of Taiwan remain uncertain. It continued economic growth as Hong Kong and Shanghai expanded and Beijing was preparing to host the 2008 Summer Olympics. With 1.3 billion people, the People's Republic of China has become an important factor in the world's future.
See also
