Explain the Great Leap Forward (GLF) campaign of China.

Question

Accepted Answer

Great Leap Forward (GLF) campaign:

Launched: 1958 by Mao Zedong

Objective:
- Transform agrarian economy into modern economy
- Rapid industrialization
- Modernize China's economy

Key Features:
- People encouraged to set up industries in backyards
- Commune system introduced
- Collective farming
- 26,000 communes covering farm population

Problems:
- Severe drought killed 30 million people
- Russia withdrew professionals
- Backyard industries failed
- Agricultural disruption
- Food shortages and famine

The campaign failed to achieve its objectives and caused massive human suffering.