WWII & Making of Modern Asia/Pacific: China

China underwent profound transformations under the leadership of the Communist Party after WWII. The establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 marked the beginning of a series of ambitious political and economic campaigns aimed at consolidating Communist power and reshaping society. The early years saw land reforms, collectivization, and the Great Leap Forward, which led to widespread famine and economic difficulties. The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), had devastating effects on the country’s economy, education, and culture. Following this turbulent period, Deng Xiaoping emerged as the key leader in the late 1970s, introducing the "Reform and Opening-Up" policies that decollectivized agriculture, allowed private enterprise, and opened China to foreign investment, setting the stage for rapid economic growth and modernization. Throughout these decades, China's foreign relations were heavily influenced by its alliance with the Soviet Union and its later rapprochement with the United States, particularly in the context of the Cold War.

This guide is designed to facilitate an in-depth understanding of China's transformation through three carefully selected topics: the foreign relations between China and the United States during the Cold War, China's economic reform from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, and the role of Chinese propaganda posters. 

The guide focuses on English resources available to UHM users. Comprehensive databases by subscription are listed below. Under each topic (see corresponding tabs on the left),  resources are further organized by format. Permanent links to full cataloging records have been embedded in the titles for ease of retrieval.