Mao Tse-Tung was a Chinese revolutionary and statesman who led the Communist Party of China to victory against the Kuomintang in the Chinese Civil War, and was the leader of the People's Republic of China from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. He is commonly known as Chairman Mao and is considered one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. His political theories, military strategies, and leadership are collectively known as Maoism.