Mao Tse-Tung
Mao Tse-Tung (1893-1976). Chinese communist leader, a founder member of the Chinese Communist party. In the 1920s Mao’s guerrilla forces collaborated with the Nationalist party in their struggle against the warlords. Following a split with the Nationalists, he retreated from south-east China to Shensi in the long March’ (1934-35). On the formation of the communist People’s Republic of China (1949) he became its chairman. Although he retired from this position in 1959 he remained in control of the country. He inspired the `Great Leap Forward’ in 1957 and the ‘Cultural Revolution’ (1966); during this turbulent and destructive period his ‘little red book’ of thoughts had great influence; His third wife, the actress Chiang Ching, became increasingly, powerful in Mao’s later years. Following his death she was arrested, together with other members of the ‘Gang of Four’, and accused of plotting against Mao’s successor, Hua Guo-Feng.
“Our fathers were indeed wise. They invented printing, but not newspapers. They invented gunpowder, but used it only for fireworks. Finally, they invented the compass, but took care not to use it to discover America.
Remark attributed to Mao Tse-Tung”
