This course, produced by Harvard University, examines the rise, fall, and reemergence of the Chinese Communist Party from the early 20th century until the death of Mao Zedong.

China is one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations.

But how did this massive society turn from an agrarian empire into a nationalist republic and eventually a Communist state in the span of a few decades?

In this course, Harvard University professors Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby examine how history created just the right situation for a minority party to take over China.

Bol is a professor of East Asian Languages and Civilizations studying the history of China's cultural elites, while Kirby is a professor of Business Administration and China Studies focusing on business, economics, and political development in modern China.

In this course, the instructors explain the origin and evolution of the Communist Party of China under the leadership of Mao Zedong, as well as its rise to power.