Modernizing China
China's History
Kings ruled China for thousands of years. In 1912, the last emperor was overthrown and a republic was created. Throughout history, although China's leaders were wealthy, most Chinese people were poor. In 1949, a communist government came into power supported by millions of poor people who were tired of the old system of government.
The new government strictly controlled the Chinese citizens' lives. Communist leaders chose people's jobs. They also decided which goods to produce. The government picked what countries China traded with. Even though China had important resources, China was still considered a poor country.
China Today
Today, China is the world's largest communist nation. The government still controls many decisions for its people. In the last twenty years, though, China's leaders have allowed people to make more choices for themselves.
The Chinese government has also worked to improve the country's economy. Having a strong economy is important for a nation. A good economy helps businesses grow. With a good economy, citizens can produce and consume enough goods and services to satisfy their needs. Many of China's citizens are now wealthier than they were in the past.
China's leaders are trying to improve their nation's economy by modernizing it. To modernize means to bring something up to date. The Chinese government hopes to use technology to modernize the economy. China's leaders also want to modernize the economy by increasing trade with other countries.
A New Economic Project
In 1993, the Chinese government started work on the Three Gorges Dam. The dam is being built across the Yangtze River. When it is finished in 2007, the dam will be almost one mile wide. It will be over 600 feet high. That's the length of more than six basketball courts! Government leaders hope the dam will improve China's economy by providing electrical energy and increasing trade.
Debate Over the Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam will use technology to make energy from water. It will be an important source of power for Chinese people and businesses. The government hopes the economy will grow if there is more electricity to power factories and businesses.
Government leaders also believe that the dam will increase trade. To build the dam, the government is making the Yangtze River wider. This will make transportation on the river easier. Large ships will be able to travel on the river when the dam is complete. That way, Chinese people who live far apart can trade goods with each other. The ships will also help Chinese businesses trade goods with other countries.
The region around the Yangtze River often flooded in the past. People lost their homes and farms in the floods. Many people even died. The government told the Chinese people that the dam would prevent future floods and save lives.
However, not everyone believes that the Three Gorges Dam is a good idea. Some people think the government is hurting its people instead of helping them. Before the dam was built, government leaders forced millions of citizens who lived near the river to leave their homes. The people had no choice. In a communist country, the government decides who should live where. The government made the people leave their farms and villages because water will flood their land when the dam is finished.
Other people worry that the dam could hurt the local environment. They believe that changing the river will harm the region's wildlife and land.
The Great Dam: China's Hope or Despair?
Thousands of years ago, Chinese monarchs built the Great Wall. Now the Communist government of China is building the Great Dam. People disagree about whether the dam will help or hurt China. Only time will tell if the Three Gorges Dam is the success China's government hopes it will be.