Final answer:
The Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution were two significant movements during Mao Zedong's rule that led to a catastrophic famine and cultural purges, resulting in millions of deaths and substantial economic and social disruption in China.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution
During the reign of Mao Zedong, the Great Leap Forward failed so terribly he had to lay low for a few years before he renewed his commitment to permanent war on all obstacles to communism in the Cultural Revolution. The Great Leap Forward was a program announced by Mao in 1958, aiming to transform China into an industrial superpower by rapidly advancing the agricultural and industrial sectors. Unfortunately, it resulted in a catastrophic famine, leading to the death of 20 to 40 million people. This disaster, driven by an abandonment of agriculture, led to significant criticism within the Communist Party, though Mao retained enough support to instigate the Cultural Revolution in 1966. This upheaval aimed to enforce Maoist ideology, purge capitalist and traditional elements, and ultimately resulted in the death of 3 to 10 million people, severely delaying Chinese industrialization and modernization.
By the end of the Cultural Revolution, the economy was in shambles and the government struggled with basic functions. Mao's power waned as he suffered health and mental issues. The 'Gang of Four', including Mao's wife Jiang Qing, tried to carry on his legacy, focusing mostly on ideological purity rather than much-needed economic reforms. Overall, these movements underscore the severe impact of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution on Chinese society and economy.