Final answer:
The Great Chinese Famine was a result of economic and agricultural policies implemented by the Chinese government, leading to a severe disruption in food production and distribution. Millions of people died of starvation as a result of this famine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Chinese Famine, also known as the Great Leap Forward, occurred in China from 1959 to 1961. It was a result of economic and agricultural policies implemented by the Chinese government at the time, led by Mao Zedong. These policies aimed to rapidly industrialize and modernize the country, but ultimately led to a severe disruption in food production and distribution, resulting in a widespread famine.
During this period, collectivization of agriculture was enforced, where farmers were organized into communes and forced to share resources. Grain was requisitioned by the government for export and to support industrialization, leaving insufficient food for the population. Additionally, disastrous farming practices and natural disasters further contributed to the decline in agricultural production.
As a result, millions of people, estimated to be between 20 and 45 million, died of starvation. Many resorted to eating tree barks, leaves, and even soil in a desperate attempt to survive. The Great Chinese Famine remains one of the deadliest famines in history and has had lasting socioeconomic impacts on China.
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