Staging History | Icons and Symbols | Tiananmen Square |
The Founding of the People's Republic of China

On 1 October 1949, Mao Zedong stood on the rostrum of Tiananmen Gate to announce the founding of the central people's government before a throng of enthusiastic supporters. This was a moment that appeared to symbolize that "the Chinese people have stood up," a frequently-quoted line from Mao.

[founding movie]

"The Founding of the Nation" (1952-1953), an epic canvas by Dong Xiwen, is an example of how historical events and political leaders are mythologized, and how "official history" is subject to prevailing political trends. "The Founding of the Nation" depicts Mao Zedong proclaiming the founding of the People's Republic of China from atop Tiananmen. Standing behind him are assorted government leaders, including Liu Shaoqi. Over the next three decades, as the political fates of the various leaders featured in the picture fluctuated, the portrait had to be recast, with offending figures painted out.