In 1949, after decades of revolution, invasion and civil war, Mao Zedong finally takes control of China.<br /><br />Chairman Mao proclaims it a 'People's Republic', but democracy is not on the agenda. Instead, he wields absolute power in an authoritarian government determined to rebuild China in line with his communist ideals.<br /><br />In the years that follow, his regime will oversee the expansion of China's influence and its transformation into a major player on the international stage. But in his attempts to revolutionise Chinese society, Mao will also unleash catastrophic violence and sow the seeds of humanitarian disaster.
