After Mao Zedong's failed Cultural Revolution, the country was in a state of disarray. Political isolation had caused the economy to falter, as citizens struggled every day to adhere to communist ideals. Collectivization and municipalization governed the nation, meaning that the government had total control over the country, leaving citizens without the ability to earn their own money or provide for themselves. In turn, the quality of life in China declined and unrest began to erupt. Deng Xiaoping was the leader who succeeded Mao after his death in 1976, and his reforms helped change the country's economic and social situation. Deng's careful strategic moves allowed other countries to invest in China's economy, and the government gave people more control over their land and education. He also reduced the power of the government, moving away from communism and towards democracy. Deng Xiaoping had a positive influence on China because he opened China to global markets and improved the quality of life of millions of people. Mao Zedong left China in a deep recession, but Deng Xiaoping managed to pull it out by creating special economic zones and removing China, often called an emerging superpower due to its booming economy, carefully developed by Deng. China became self-sufficient in the 1980s and continues to produce most manufactured goods, thanks to Deng's idea of ​​ending collectivization. The middle class is growing steadily, and millions of Chinese are thriving outside their home country because Deng emphasizes higher education. The Chinese leader identified the problems of Mao's rule and solved them, all while maintaining the ideals of his country and communism. Without Deng Xiaoping's leadership after Mao's reign, the country with a population of 1.3 billion may not have found the level of prosperity it enjoys