Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: He was the architect of the People 's Republic of China ( PRC ) from its establishment in 1949 , and held authoritarian control over the nation until his death in 1976 .
Simplified: He was the leader of the Peopleâ s Republic of China ( PRC ) from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976 .