Definition

Proper noun A Chinese communist revolutionary and political leader who was the founding father of the People's Republic of China, which he ruled as the Chairman of the Communist Party of China from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. He is a central and controversial figure in 20th-century history, known for his theoretical contributions to Marxism-Leninism (Maoism) and for policies that transformed Chinese society.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
  • The political philosophy of Mao Zedong had a profound impact on China's development.
  • Historians continue to debate the legacy of Mao Zedong.

Advanced Usage

• "Mao Zedong Thought": The official Chinese interpretation and development of Marxism-Leninism as formulated by Mao. It is a guiding ideology within the Constitution of the People's Republic of China.
  • The party's constitution enshrines Mao Zedong Thought as a theoretical guide for action.
• Cult of Personality: Mao Zedong is often discussed in the context of a pervasive personality cult that surrounded him during his leadership.
  • The cult of personality around Mao Zedong was reinforced through propaganda and the widespread display of his image.

Variants and Related Words

• Maoism (noun): The communist doctrine based on the ideas and policies of Mao Zedong, emphasizing peasant revolution and continuous class struggle.
• Maoist (noun/adjective): A follower of Maoism; relating to Maoism or Mao Zedong.
• Chairman Mao: A common epithet and reference to Mao Zedong, emphasizing his leadership role.

Synonyms

• Chairman Mao (epithet)
• Mao Tse-tung (older Wade-Giles romanization)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A single spark can start a prairie fire": A famous saying by Mao Zedong, often used to express the idea that a small, initial action can lead to a major revolution or widespread change.
  • The activists believed their protest was the single spark that could start a prairie fire of reform.
• "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun": A central tenet of Maoist thought on revolutionary struggle and state power.
  • The quote about power growing from the barrel of a gun is frequently attributed to Mao Zedong.

Noun

1. Chinese communist leader (1893-1976)