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The proclamation of the People’s Republic of China brings an end to decades of war and civil war. The Communist Party rules, the Nationalists flee to Taiwan. Two themes are prominent on the posters of this period: the proclamation of the Republic itself, and the reconstruction of agriculture and industry, bringing abundance and prosperity. The Soviet Union supports China. But there are also problems to be solved, such as dealing with opponents of the Party. The first wave of Mao posters appear, a prelude to his later glorification.

The central people’s government constitutes the only legitimate government, ca. 1950

Public trial of evil tyrant, 1949

The Chairman leads the building of the new China, 1950

Smash the imperialist war conspiracy, forge ahead courageously, ca. 1950

Family members, relatives and friends of criminal secret agents, ca. 1950

Sending off the People’s Liberation Army to overthrow Taiwan! Carry out the revolutionary war to the end!, ca. 1950

Produce more! Contribute more!, ca. 1951

The life of the peasants is good after Land Reform, ca. 1951

Great meeting, 1951

Everybody must take precautions against epidemics to smash the germ warfare, 1952

Building the Tianlan railway, 1952

Elect good people to take good care of things, 1953

New view in the rural village, 1953

Study the Soviet Union’s advanced economy to build up our nation, 1953

Moving into a new house, 1953

For projects of vital importance, quality is number one, 1953

We are proud of participating in the founding of our country’s industrialisation, 1954

Chairman Mao gives us a happy life, 1954

After work, 1954

A morning off, 1954

Save our Taiwanese compatriots!, 1954

A glorious production model, 1954

New China’s female parachuters, 1955

Warmly love chairman Mao, 1955

Shanghai No. 1 Department Store, 1955

Sleep, do not disturb daddy while he is using his head, 1955

On the Kangzang Plateau, 1955

Resolutely liberate Taiwan, save the Taiwanese people from their misery!, 1955

Long live the great unity of all the peoples of the whole nation, 1957

Smash the rightist's furious attacks! - Defend socialist construction!, 1957

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