Why Did the Chinese Commit a Mass Massacre of Sparrows in 1958?

In China between 1958 and 1962, “Four Pests Campaign” A movement started under the name. These four pests mentioned included mice, mosquitoes, flies and sparrows.

Destruction of sparrows “Campaign to Smash SparrowsIt was also known as. So why did they do this?

A reform movement called the “Great Leap” had begun.

The failure of food production during this period put the state in trouble. Pest control was also included in the planning, which was claimed to be “scientifically sound”. Sparrows, mosquitoes, flies and mice They would be killed so that they could not eat the grain in the fields. It was also stated that mosquitoes were a direct threat, claiming that they were disease carriers.

The public was mobilized to fight all these animals. Everyone, including the children, became enemies of these four animals and killed the animals as if it were a festival. In schools, like going on a trip sparrow hunting activities was being organized. There were even rewards given to those who brought dead animals. There were almost no sparrows, flies or mice left in the country…

Their so-called very scientific methods led to greater destruction.

1.5 billion mice, 1 billion sparrows, billions of flies and mosquitoes were killed, but they failed to take into account the most important point. The animals they kill destroy not only the crops in the field but also pests that feed on crops He was also eating.

The country’s agriculture took a turn for the worse. The ecological balance was ruined, the locust population increased uncontrollably. The result was an unprecedented crisis. Number of people dying of hunger 20-30 million reached…

What emerged as a result of this campaign is to teach us, as humans, to look out for our own interests. When we act like the world belongs to us It showed us in the best way what kind of a slap nature will give us…

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