This paper examines the cause, the process, and the outcome of the reorganization of the textile industry during the Great Leap Forward (GLF) in China. Rather than a way of social and industrial mobilization, it argues that the decentralized organization of the textile industry was rooted in a preceding economic crisis and contributed to the industry's further collapse during the GLF. Specifically, the paper suggests that the GLF was launched in an already overheated economy, and the subsequent austerity measures imposed on the un-prioritized textile sector deepened industrial imbalances, exacerbating China’s economic crisis.

Pre-Circulated Paper

The pre-circulated paper will be available one-week prior to the workshop. The paper will be available to the Princeton University community via SharePoint. All others should request a copy of the paper by emailing Friedrich Asschenfeldt.