Includes bibliographical references and index.

Winds of change -- China divided -- Conflict with Japan -- China in World War II -- Showdown -- Founding the People's Republic -- The new government -- China expands -- Early reforms -- The Korean War -- Taiwan -- Dealing with dissent -- The great leap forward -- A great leap backward -- Troubles in Tibet -- China begins to recover -- The Soviet Union break -- The Cultural Revolution -- Red Guard terror -- Mao triumphant -- Censorship -- Religion -- Women and family -- Population, health, and education -- China : a nuclear power -- China joins the United Nations -- U.S. President Nixon visits China -- End of the revolution?

"A history of the Communist revolution in China, based on primary source documents and other historical artifacts. Features include period art works and photographs; excerpts from literary works, letters, speeches, broadcasts, and diaries; summary boxes; a timeline; maps; and a list of additional resources"--Provided by publisher.