Mao Zedong's Milestones

Mao Zedong was a Chinese communist revolutionary and founding father of the People's Republic of China, leading the country through radical reforms and the Cultural Revolution until his death in 1976.
1893

Birth

Mao Zedong was born in Shaoshan, Hunan Province, China, to Mao Yichang and Wen Qimei.

Family December 26, 1893
1901

Early education

Attended local primary school and later Dongshan School in Hunan.

Education September 1, 1901 - July 1, 1910
1913

Attended Hunan First Normal School

Studied at Hunan First Normal School, graduating as a teacher.

Education September 1, 1913 - June 1, 1918
1918

Founded New People's Study Society

Co-founded the New People's Study Society, promoting revolutionary ideas.

Achievement April 14, 1918
1919

May Fourth Movement

Participated in the May Fourth Movement, inspiring his political activism.

Achievement May 4, 1919
1920

Married Yang Kaihui

Married Yang Kaihui, with whom he had three children.

Relationship December 1, 1920
1921

Joined Communist Party

Became a founding member of the Chinese Communist Party.

Career July 23, 1921
1927

Led Autumn Harvest Uprising

Led the Autumn Harvest Uprising against the Kuomintang.

Achievement September 9, 1927
1934

Long March

Led the Long March, securing his leadership in the Communist Party.

Achievement October 16, 1934 - October 20, 1935
1939

Married Jiang Qing

Married Jiang Qing, who later played a key role in the Cultural Revolution.

Relationship November 20, 1939
1949

Proclaimed People's Republic

Proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing.

Achievement October 1, 1949
1958

Great Leap Forward

Launched the Great Leap Forward, a campaign for rapid industrialization and collectivization.

Other January 1, 1958 - December 31, 1962
1966

Cultural Revolution

Initiated the Cultural Revolution, a decade of political upheaval and persecution.

Other May 16, 1966 - October 6, 1976
1976

Death

Mao Zedong died in Beijing, ending his controversial leadership.

Other September 9, 1976