Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that economic construction has always been a priority for any nation, regardless of historical context or social system, and that the focus of economic development has shifted over different periods, particularly highlighting the foundational economic efforts in the early years of New China [1][10]. Summary by Sections Early Economic Construction - In 1949, the establishment of New China occurred in a state of devastation, with a population of approximately 540 million, an average life expectancy of just over 35 years, and an adult illiteracy rate exceeding 80% [4][5]. - The economy was primarily agrarian, with agriculture contributing over 81% to the national economy, and industrial output was extremely low, with steel production at only 135,000 tons [4][5]. - The initial focus was on developing basic infrastructure to lay the groundwork for future economic growth, despite facing significant challenges such as a lack of equipment and technology, as well as economic and technological blockades from Western countries [4][5]. Soviet Assistance and Industrial Development - Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Soviet Union provided assistance through loans and expertise, leading to the completion of 156 major construction projects during the First Five-Year Plan, which laid the foundation for China's industrial framework [5][6]. - The relationship with the Soviet Union was not without its challenges, as China had to repay debts and faced the withdrawal of Soviet support due to deteriorating relations [5]. Achievements in Economic Growth - Despite the initial focus on infrastructure, significant economic achievements were made from 1949 to 1978, with total agricultural and industrial output increasing from 46.6 billion yuan to 446.7 billion yuan, a nearly tenfold increase [12][14]. - Key indicators showed remarkable growth: steel production surged from 135,000 tons to 2.39 million tons, and electricity generation increased from 4.3 billion kWh to 195.8 billion kWh, reflecting a growth of over 45 times [12][14]. - The average annual growth rate of GDP during this period was 8.43%, with stable prices, indicating a solid economic foundation was being built [12][14]. Comparative International Performance - By 1978, the economic gap between China and the United States had narrowed from 28 times to 5.52 times, showcasing a significant reduction in disparity [10][12]. - China's agricultural growth rate averaged 4.0%, outperforming the United States, the Soviet Union, and Japan, while industrial growth averaged 12.5%, also exceeding the growth rates of these countries [14]. Conclusion on Economic Foundations - The article concludes that the early years of economic construction were crucial for establishing a solid foundation, which later facilitated rapid economic growth and development, contradicting any notion that these efforts were insignificant [10][14].

第一个人物是曾希圣。作为第七师的核心人物，曾希圣在部队的发展中扮演了至关重要的角色。他参与制定的所有发展策略和方案，都直接影响了第七师的 兴旺。除了经济方面的迅猛发展，曾希圣还亲自主持了多个民生工程的建设，例如著名的黄丝滩大江堤工程，便是他主导的项目之一。 在很多历史爱好者的记忆中，新四军和八路军在长时间内面临着经济困境。即使是在八路军成立初期，很多留守的部队甚至无法按时领取军饷，队伍的生存 只能依靠自给自足，通过打胜仗获得战利品来支撑。可即便如此，仍然有特例存在。在新四军中，就有一支与众不同的队伍——新四军第七师。 在那个艰难的抗日战争时期，新四军不仅不需要依赖上级军部的拨款，反而能够大方地拿出一部分资金来支持军部。为了让大家更直观地理解这些数字的意 义，笔者可以通过国民政府给甲种师的军饷作个对比。当时，甲种师每月的军费是20万元。然而，蒋介石对新四军的军费支援始终百般刁难，甚至将16.6万 元的军费硬是削减到了6.5万元，这样的军费对于一个师来说简直就是杯水车薪。周恩来得知此事后，曾力争上游，但最终只能勉强争取到每月8万元。 更令人尴尬的是，即便是当时的国民党军丙种师，每月的军费也是10万元，而新四军的军 ...