China: A Century of Revolution

China: A Century of Revolution

Chronicles China’s turbulent 20th century through rare archival footage and eyewitness accounts, tracing its most violent era marked by foreign invasions, civil war, and political upheaval.

The documentary examines the decades-long conflict between Mao Zedong’s Communist forces and Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists (the latter supported by the U.S.), culminating in Mao’s establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949.

It also explores Mao’s radical attempts to reshape China, followed by Deng Xiaoping’s transformative market reforms after Mao’s death, which steered the nation toward economic modernization.

Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

China: A Century of Revolution

First Air Date

September 27, 1989

Last Air Date

July 9, 1997

Seasons

3

Episodes

3

Language

Mandarin, English

Production Companies

Networks

PBS

S03E01

Born Under the Red Flag, 1976–1997

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