Biography of Deng Xioping, Leader of China

Deng Xioping, leader of China from1978-1997, is often referred to as an enigma. After his death in 1997, China had gone from an economic program of austerity to one of economic liberation. Yet Deng Xioping is not always revered as a great leader. He will be remembered as well for the massace at Tienanmen Square. As Lord Acton wrote in his famous treatise of reflections on the corruption of power, "Great men are almost always bad men.[1]" Yet, when one considers the feat of introducing capitalism to such a long-closed society, one must pause to consider this ruler's influence on China and the world. By exploring Deng Xioping's emergence to power, his political and economic record, and the ramifications of his leadership, one may arrive at a deeper understanding of Deng XioPing's place in history.