What characterized the political landscape in China during Mao Zedong's regime?

During Mao Zedong's regime, the political landscape in China was primarily characterized by the implementation of Marxist "scientific socialism." This approach aimed to transform China into a socialist state based on Marxist-Leninist principles. Mao believed in the necessity of a revolution led by the proletariat, which, in the Chinese context, meant mobilizing the peasantry to overthrow the ruling class and establish a government that represented the interests of the working people.

Mao's policies included land reforms, the collectivization of agriculture, and the promotion of state ownership of industry. The efforts were geared toward eliminating the economic disparities that existed under a feudal system, reflecting a significant shift in ideology away from imperialism and traditional hierarchies. Campaigns such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution were also rooted in these Marxist ideals, showcasing Mao's determination to reshape Chinese society according to his interpretation of socialism. Thus, his regime's political strategies were fundamentally aimed at building a classless society while disbanding old cultural and social structures that he viewed as impediments to revolutionary change.