How far did Chinese agriculture
improve in the years 1949-57?
Files & media
intro:
To assess how far Chinese agriculture improved in the years 1949-57, it is crucial to consider
the extent to which agricultural productivity and output increased throughout these years.
While there were increases at times in agricultural output, these were not proportionate to
figures in the early part of the period. By pursuing a radical campaign against intellectuals,
Mao forced many with the necessary expertise to flee the country and this resulted in a lack of
knowledge required to implement effective policies. As a result, agriculture only improved
marginally between 1949 and 1957.
main body:
1) productivity
power was given to the peasants thus increasing productivity
under the principle of "land of the tiller," the Communist Party took land from affluent
landowners and prosperous farmers and redistributed it in rural areas among the
poorest peasants. w
each family was given a maximum of 1.3 acres.
such policies saw an increase in agricultural production by 14% from 1949-52.
the eradication of private property and redistribution of land created a more productive
agricultural workforce
however —> industrial output in 1949 was just 20% of pre World War Two levels
2) output
the centralisation system that peasants received orders from hindered productive output
China's agriculture was divided into 25,000 large communes, each with approximately
5,000 families organised into 'brigades' of approximately 200 families.
The government made all decisions regarding farming practices, crop sales, and prices;
its commands were frequently ignorant, and simply set unreasonably high expectations.
As a result, these 25,000 communes were frequently pressured to produce quantity above
quality, resulting in widespread crop failures.
How far did Chinese agriculture improve in the years 1949-57? 1
improve in the years 1949-57?
Files & media
intro:
To assess how far Chinese agriculture improved in the years 1949-57, it is crucial to consider
the extent to which agricultural productivity and output increased throughout these years.
While there were increases at times in agricultural output, these were not proportionate to
figures in the early part of the period. By pursuing a radical campaign against intellectuals,
Mao forced many with the necessary expertise to flee the country and this resulted in a lack of
knowledge required to implement effective policies. As a result, agriculture only improved
marginally between 1949 and 1957.
main body:
1) productivity
power was given to the peasants thus increasing productivity
under the principle of "land of the tiller," the Communist Party took land from affluent
landowners and prosperous farmers and redistributed it in rural areas among the
poorest peasants. w
each family was given a maximum of 1.3 acres.
such policies saw an increase in agricultural production by 14% from 1949-52.
the eradication of private property and redistribution of land created a more productive
agricultural workforce
however —> industrial output in 1949 was just 20% of pre World War Two levels
2) output
the centralisation system that peasants received orders from hindered productive output
China's agriculture was divided into 25,000 large communes, each with approximately
5,000 families organised into 'brigades' of approximately 200 families.
The government made all decisions regarding farming practices, crop sales, and prices;
its commands were frequently ignorant, and simply set unreasonably high expectations.
As a result, these 25,000 communes were frequently pressured to produce quantity above
quality, resulting in widespread crop failures.
How far did Chinese agriculture improve in the years 1949-57? 1
