Strange But True Facts About Chairman Mao
Some call Chairman Mao Zedong a great leader, while others label him a ruthless dictator. Regardless of what you believe, there is no denying that Chairman Mao led an interesting and, at times, weird life.
Here are 25 strange but true facts about Chairman Mao.
Chairman Mao Facts
25. Unthinkable Death Count
Mao Zedong's legacy is one that's still debated today. He's credited with stabilizing China and greatly increasing both the life expectancy and overall population of its citizens.
But for all his achievements, his actions, ranging from persecution of political enemies to his agricultural revolution that caused the Great Chinese Famine, led to the deaths of anywhere from 40 to 70 million people, which is the largest death toll caused by a single person in human history.
24. Liking Them Too Young
Chairman Mao had a sexual relationship with Chen Luwen, a self-described “imperial concubine.” She was 14 at the time, and he was 68. The relationship lasted almost a decade, from 1962-1971.
23. Deprived of a Dynasty
According to Dr. Li, Chairman Mao’s personal doctor, the ruler was infertile despite the observed pregnancy of at least one of his young mistresses.
