Mao Zedong's policies are estimated to have caused the deaths of tens of millions of people, primarily through famine, political persecution, executions, and forced labor.
- The Great Leap Forward (1958-1961), a campaign led by Mao to rapidly industrialize China, resulted in a catastrophic famine. Estimates of deaths due to the famine range widely, but credible research suggests between 35 million and 45 million people died. This includes deaths from starvation, overwork, and state violence such as beatings and executions of those accused of hoarding grain or trying to escape famine conditions
- The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), another Mao-led campaign aimed at consolidating power and enforcing ideological purity, is estimated to have caused 1.5 to 3 million deaths through violence, persecution, and chaos
- Other political campaigns in the 1950s, such as land reform and anti-rightist movements, contributed an additional 1 to 2 million deaths
Taking a middle estimate, Mao's rule is responsible for approximately 42 to 45 million deaths, with some sources estimating up to 65 million deaths overall due to his policies and campaigns
. In summary, Mao Zedong's leadership is associated with the deaths of roughly 40 to 65 million people, making him one of the deadliest leaders in history in terms of human lives lost due to government policies and actions.
