After the failure of Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution, the country was in a state of disarray. Political isolation has caused the economy to decline, while citizens struggle every day to adhere to communist ideals. Collectivization and municipalization ruled the nation, which meant that the government had complete control over the country, leaving citizens without a chance to earn their own money or provide for their own needs. As a result, the quality of life in China declined and riots began to break out. Deng Xiaoping succeeded Mao after his death in 1976 and his reforms helped turn around 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 government, moving away from communism and toward democracy. Deng Xiaoping had a positive influence on China as he opened China to global markets and improved the quality of life for millions of people. Mao Zedong left China in a deep recession, but Deng Xiaoping managed to get China out of it by creating special economic zones and abolishing them. China is often considered an emerging superpower due to its booming economy, carefully developed by Deng. China became self-sufficient in the 1980s and continues to produce the majority of manufactured goods, thanks to Deng's idea of ​​ending collectivization. The middle class is growing steadily and millions of Chinese are prospering outside their home countries because Deng emphasized higher education. The Chinese leader discovered the problems of Mao's government and resolved them, while maintaining the ideals of his country and communism. Without Deng Xiaoping's guidance after Mao's reign, this country of 1.3 billion people may not have achieved the level of prosperity it enjoys.