This work charts China's remarkable and tumultuous development from the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949 through to the hand-over of Hong Kong by Britain. Particular coverage is given to the country's bitter struggle with the USSR for leadership of the international revolution and to its developing role as a world power. Sections on China's international relations focus on various issues including the Korean War, the on-going Taiwan question, the Sino-Indian war and the Sino-American rapprochement. In addition the author analyzes Mao's status as a political leader and discusses the importance of the Great Leap Forward, Mao's five-year plans and the concept of permanent revolution. The volume also incorporates a historiography and a selection of source-based and essay questions.