Celebrating a Leader
Mao Zedong is considered a highly regarded founding leader of the People's Republic of China. He was a great revolutionary and strategist who transformed China. Mao led China to victory in the Chinese Civil War and turned the country into a major power. Mao put an end to two decades of international and civil war and lifted China through his policies. When China became a republic on 1 October 1949, Mao became the Chairman of the People's Republic of China. Mao is also considered one of the most influential poets of modern China. An avid poet and calligrapher, Mao wrote traditional Chinese verses. His poetry is part of mandatory reading in Chinese elementary schools.
Passage 2
The Truth behind Mao
Many historians and academics criticize Mao Zedong's political career. They claim his social and political programs only harmed China's domestic progress. Mao's "The Great Leap Forward" program and the Cultural Revolution only led the country backwards. Critics argue that these programs hurt China's culture, society, and economy. Mao's land reform movement took away life-savings from many landowners. Mao ran numerous campaigns to suppress his political enemies. Historians remind us that Mao ordered mass killings of many people who did not support his revolution. Many of Mao's enemies were publicly executed. Mao also damaged China's relations with the rest of the world.
Which of these best describes the similarities between the two passages?
A.
Both passages portray Mao as a literary figure.
B.
Both passages discuss Mao's influence in China.
C.
Both passages describe the Chinese Civil War.
D.
Both passages show China's foreign relations.