China's Great Leap Forward

The Great Leap Forward was a campaign launched by China's government from 1958 to 1962, aiming to rapidly industrialize the country and boost agricultural production. It encouraged communes to work collectively, emphasizing steel production and communal farming. However, due to poor planning, forced collectivization, and unrealistic targets, it led to decreased food output, widespread famine, and millions of deaths. The campaign ultimately failed to achieve its goals and resulted in significant human suffering, prompting retrenchment and policy adjustments afterward.