The famed general and statesman who founded the People's Republic of China in 1949 was Mao Zedong. As a leader of the Chinese Communist Party, Mao played a pivotal role in the Chinese Civil War, ultimately leading to the establishment of a communist state after years of struggle against the nationalists. His policies and leadership significantly transformed Chinese society, implementing radical changes in land reform, industrialization, and social structure. Mao's influence persisted throughout his life, shaping China's modern trajectory and affecting its global positioning during the Cold War.