China Since 1949

Exploring the remarkable story of China’s rise to global prominence, China since 1949 provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the events that have shaped the country since the middle of the twentieth century.

Covering the Maoist era through the Reform period to the present day, this book addresses subjects such as China’s position as a world economic power, the Chinese Communist Party’s treatment of ethnic minorities, women’s experiences under the Communist regime, and China’s human rights record. Fully updated throughout, the third edition includes:

• a new chapter focusing on China since 2010
• discussion of current issues such as China’s territorial disputes, computer hacking and cyber-espionage, corruption, leadership changes, and the slowing of China’s economic growth
• extensively revised chapters on China and the World and on Government, Politics and the Economy
• An updated selection of primary source documents.

Also containing a chronology of events from 1949 to 2015, a Who’s Who of key figures, a glossary and a guide to further reading, China Since 1949 is an accessible and engaging introduction to China’s recent past and essential reading for students of modern Chinese history.

“"Benson presents an authoritative introduction to an essential chapter of world history. In a crisp narrative and well-chosen accompanying materials, she provides a solid foundation for understanding China in recent history and its global role today." Jeremy A. Murray, California State University, San Bernardino, USA "Professor Benson offers a balanced and succinct introduction to the history of the PRC. A particular strength is her analysis of the challenges facing China, such as environmental crisis and economic inequality, as well as the opportunities created by market reforms. The text is supplemented with a useful glossary and more than thirty key documents illustrating the momentous changes China has experienced through revolution and reform." Joshua Howard, University of Mississippi, USA”

"Benson presents an authoritative introduction to an essential chapter of world history. In a crisp narrative and well-chosen accompanying materials, she provides a solid foundation for understanding China in recent history and its global role today."

Jeremy A. Murray, California State University, San Bernardino, USA

"Professor Benson offers a balanced and succinct introduction to the history of the PRC. A particular strength is her analysis of the challenges facing China, such as environmental crisis and economic inequality, as well as the opportunities created by market reforms. The text is supplemented with a useful glossary and more than thirty key documents illustrating the momentous changes China has experienced through revolution and reform."

Joshua Howard, University of Mississippi, USA

"Benson presents an authoritative introduction to an essential chapter of world history. In a crisp narrative and well-chosen accompanying materials, she provides a solid foundation for understanding China in recent history and its global role today."

Jeremy A. Murray, California State University, San Bernardino, USA

"Professor Benson offers a balanced and succinct introduction to the history of the PRC. A particular strength is her analysis of the challenges facing China, such as environmental crisis and economic inequality, as well as the opportunities created by market reforms. The text is supplemented with a useful glossary and more than thirty key documents illustrating the momentous changes China has experienced through revolution and reform."

Joshua Howard, University of Mississippi, USA

Praise for previous editions:

'the best introduction to the subject...providing a coherent narrative of the major events of China's recent past.'

Richard Brown, The Historical Association website

Linda Benson is Professor of History at the University of Oakland, Rochester, Michigan.

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