A Collection of Annotations [1]
(March 19, 1958)
These annotations (21 in number; see “The High Tide of the Socialist Revolution in China’s Countryside,” pp. 131–) were written in September and December of 1955. Some of them have not yet lost their relevance. It is inaccurate to say that 1955 was the year in which the decisive battle between socialism and capitalism achieved a basic victory. Rather, 1955 was the year in which a basic victory was won in the sphere of ownership relations; as for other aspects of the relations of production, as well as certain aspects of the superstructure—namely, the ideological front and the political front—basic victory had either not yet been attained or had not yet been fully secured, and further efforts would be required. We did not anticipate the tremendous upheavals that would occur on the international stage in 1956, nor did we foresee the “anti-‘leftist’ exaggeration” campaign at home that same year, which dealt a severe blow to the masses’ initiative. Both of these events had a considerable impact on the rightists’ rampant offensive.
The lesson to be drawn from this is: neither the socialist revolution nor socialist construction proceeds without setbacks. We must be prepared to face many major difficulties that may arise both internationally and domestically. While it is certain that, viewed either internationally or domestically, the overall situation remains favorable, there will inevitably be numerous grave difficulties.
[1]
This is a note written by Mao Zedong explaining a collection of annotations included in the book “The High Tide of the Socialist Revolution in China’s Countryside,” which was circulated at the expanded meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held in Chengdu. The title was proposed by Mao Zedong.
[2]
Refers to a portion of the annotations written by Mao Zedong when he oversaw the editing of the book “The High Tide of the Socialist Revolution in China’s Countryside” in 1955.
[3]
The correct title of the book is “The High Tide of the Socialist Revolution in China’s Countryside,” published by the People’s Publishing House in January 1956.

Mao Zedong
March 19, 1958