The Search for a Chinese Road to Socialism

In perspective, and in contrast with the tumultuous years that followed, the China of the first five-year plan appears as a centralized, well-ordered, balanced country with a realistic attitude, aware of the extent and gravity of its difficulties but moving confidently toward the future. The first five-year plan apparently yielded the expected results in the field of economic production. In quantity, industry got off to an impressive start from a low point of departure. Between 1952 and 1957, the total value of industrial production grew from 34,330 million yuan to 78,390 million yuan, which was an increase of 128 percent (an annual average of 18 percent) over a period of five years, while the modern sector of industry alone was valued at 55,600 million yuan. Geographically speaking, the balance improved as well, as large industrial centers were implanted or existing ones were enlarged in Central China (Wuhan), the Northwest (Paotow, Lanchow), and the West (Szechwan).