 "History Today: When Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-un’s grandfather, founded North Korea")
North Korea was established on September 9, 1948, by Kim Il-sung as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). This gave birth to one of the most enduring authoritarian regimes in the world.
If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.
The founding father of the People’s Republic of China, Mao Zedong, passed away on September 9, 1976. With this, Chinese history marked the end of an era.
Here is all that happened on this day.
Kim Il-sung establishes North Korea
Kim Il-sung formally established the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on September 9, 1948. This led to the birth of modern North Korea and the beginning of one of the most enduring authoritarian regimes in the world.
Following Japan’s surrender in World War II, Korea, which had been under Japanese occupation since 1910, was divided along the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union occupied the north, while the United States took responsibility for the south. Both powers backed different leaders, leading to two rival governments by 1948, namely Syngman Rhee’s Republic of Korea in the South and Kim Il-sung’s DPRK in the North.
Kim Il-sung, who had fought as a Soviet-backed guerrilla against Japanese forces, quickly consolidated power under a communist framework modelled on Soviet ideology. He implemented land reforms, nationalised industries, and established a centralised state. With Soviet support, Kim was installed as Premier while the country adopted its first constitution and declared itself independent.
The establishment of North Korea set the stage for decades of division and conflict. In 1950, Kim launched the invasion of South Korea, triggering the Korean War, which devastated the peninsula and entrenched the separation that continues today.
Kim Il-sung cultivated a cult of personality, portraying himself as the ‘Great Leader.’ Over the years, his rule evolved into the hereditary system still seen today, with leadership passing to his son Kim Jong-Il and grandson Kim Jong-un.
Mao Zedong passes away
Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, died at the age of 82 on September 9, 1976. His death brought an end to the tumultuous era of the Cultural Revolution while setting the stage for a new chapter in Chinese history.
Mao had ruled China since 1949, when his Communist Party triumphed in the civil war against Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists. He is remembered as the leader who ended a century of foreign domination and internal division, thus unifying China under Communist rule. That is not all, he introduced sweeping land reforms, promoted industrialisation, and launched campaigns to reshape Chinese society along socialist lines. His charisma and revolutionary vision earned him the devotion of millions and made him a global symbol of anti-imperialist struggle.
However, Mao’s rule was also marked by catastrophic policies. The Great Leap Forward (1958–1962), intended to rapidly transform China into an industrial power, led to widespread famine and the deaths of tens of millions. Later, the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) unleashed social and political chaos, as Mao sought to reassert his authority by mobilising youth against perceived ‘counter-revolutionaries.’
The decade-long upheaval devastated education, culture, and the economy while deepening divisions in Chinese society. Mao’s death paved the way for Deng Xiaoping’s rise and the economic reforms that would transform China into a global power.
This Day, That Year
Queen Elizabeth became the longest-reigning monarch in British history in 2015.
In 1919, the Boston Police Strike began after the city denied the police’s right to unionise.
In 1087, the English king William I (the Conqueror) died from an injury suffered while attempting to capture the town of Mantes.
With inputs from agencies
 "Who will be India's next vice-president? 781 MPs, MLAs vote today")
 "Nepal lifts ban on social media platforms after 19 die in protests")
 "CP Radhakrishnan vs B Sudershan Reddy: How is India’s vice president elected?")
 "Abhimanyu creates chess history by beating Gukesh, becomes youngest to defeat world champion in classical: 'I am at par with them'")
 "Who will be India's next vice-president? 781 MPs, MLAs vote today")
 "Nepal lifts ban on social media platforms after 19 die in protests")
 "CP Radhakrishnan vs B Sudershan Reddy: How is India’s vice president elected?")
 "Abhimanyu creates chess history by beating Gukesh, becomes youngest to defeat world champion in classical: 'I am at par with them'")
