In this post, notes of “Unit 4: Communist Movement in China” from “DSC- 3: History of modern China 1840- 1950s” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.
1. 1921-1927: Formation of the CCP and the First United Front
Background and Context
China in the Early 20th Century
In the early 1900s, China faced serious problems in politics, society, and the economy. Key issues included:
- Warlordism: After the Qing dynasty fell in 1911, different military leaders (warlords) took control of various parts of China. This led to a lack of unity and stability in the country.
- Republican Challenges: The Republic of China, formed in 1912 after the Qing dynasty, struggled to maintain control. The Beiyang government faced issues asserting its authority, and Yuan Shikai’s attempt to become emperor in 1915 caused more instability.
- Foreign Control: China was under the influence of foreign powers, especially Western countries and Japan, through unfair treaties. This fueled a desire for independence among the Chinese people.
- Economic Problems: China was mostly farming-based, with widespread poverty and social inequality. Industrialization was just beginning, and the country faced issues like bad roads, high taxes, and corruption.
Impact of the Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution of 1917 greatly influenced China and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The success of the Bolsheviks inspired Chinese thinkers and activists looking for social change. Marxist-Leninist ideas, especially the overthrow of imperialism, gained popularity in China among those unhappy with traditional leaders and foreign powers.
- Comintern Support: The Soviet Comintern helped spread communist ideas globally. In 1920, it encouraged the formation of communist parties in countries like China, which was crucial for the CCP’s formation.
- Bolshevik Example: The Russian Revolution showed that it was possible to overthrow a traditional government. This inspired Chinese activists who saw the potential for change through a united revolutionary movement.
2. Formation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
Founding Congress and Key Figures
The CCP was officially formed in 1921 as part of a global rise in socialist movements after the Russian Revolution.
- CCP Formation: The first national congress took place in Shanghai in July 1921, with 13 delegates from various socialist groups. The party was created to address the failures of traditional Chinese leaders and the need for change.
- Key Figures:
- Chen Duxiu: An important intellectual and leader of the New Culture Movement, he became the first General Secretary of the CCP and played a key role in introducing Marxism to China.
- Li Dazhao: A scholar who promoted Marxist ideas and co-founded the CCP. He helped spread these ideas among students and workers in Beijing.
The early CCP leadership focused on Marxism and Leninism, emphasizing class struggle, the overthrow of the wealthy class, and the need for a government led by workers. They recognized the importance of China’s large peasant population in the revolution.
Early Ideological Foundations and Goals
- Marxism-Leninism: The CCP’s early beliefs were based on Marxism-Leninism, highlighting the working class’s role in changing the capitalist system while also recognizing the importance of peasants.
- Anti-Imperialism: The CCP was against foreign control and fought for China’s independence, aligning with the broader nationalist movement after the May Fourth Movement.
- Social Change: The CCP aimed to bring major social and economic change, focusing on issues like land reform and reducing inequality.
The CCP’s main goal was to unite workers and peasants to challenge the Kuomintang (KMT) and the warlords in control of China.
3. First United Front (1923-1927)
Alliance with the Kuomintang (KMT) and Reasons for Cooperation
The First United Front was an alliance formed in 1923 between the CCP and the KMT, led by Sun Yat-sen. This partnership was based on shared goals:
- Common Anti-Imperialist Goals: Both parties wanted to resist foreign control and promote national independence, which united them despite their different beliefs.
- Strengthening Nationalism: The KMT aimed to create a strong, unified China, and the CCP saw working with the KMT as crucial to combatting warlords and foreign powers.
- Soviet Support: The Soviet Union helped the cooperation by advising the KMT on military organization and facilitating the unity agreement, hoping to spread communist ideas in China.
Key Events and Activities During the United Front
- Northern Expedition (1926-1928): The main military effort of this alliance was the Northern Expedition, where the KMT aimed to unify China and defeat warlords. The CCP supported this campaign through guerrilla tactics and mobilizing peasants.
- Peasant Mobilization: The CCP worked to organize peasants and support their demands for land reform and better conditions, which became a key part of their strategy during the United Front.
- Soviet Influence: The USSR provided aid and advice to the CCP, helping shape the KMT’s military and organizational strategies.
Shanghai Massacre and the End of the United Front
- Shanghai Massacre (1927): The alliance ended violently with the Shanghai Massacre in April 1927. Tensions rose as the KMT, led by Chiang Kai-shek, purged communists in Shanghai, where many CCP members were involved in the government.
- Violent Crackdown: On April 12, 1927, Chiang’s forces arrested and killed thousands of CCP members and supporters, ending the alliance and starting a harsh crackdown on communists.
- Dissolution of the United Front: After the massacre, the CCP went underground and reorganized, shifting to guerrilla tactics against the KMT. The First United Front dissolved, and the KMT grew more authoritarian under Chiang Kai-shek.
4. Challenges and Setbacks
Internal Divisions within the CCP
- Ideological Disputes: The CCP faced debates on strategy, with some members favoring urban revolts while others, like Mao Zedong, stressed the need for rural support and guerrilla warfare.
- Leadership Issues: Following the Shanghai Massacre, the CCP’s leadership faced chaos, with many members fleeing to rural areas or hiding.
External Pressures and Conflicts with the KMT
- The alliance highlighted contradictions between the CCP and KMT. The KMT, under Chiang Kai-shek, became less tolerant of communist influence, especially as the CCP gained support from workers and peasants.
- Repression and Conflict: After the United Front ended, the KMT began a campaign against the CCP, forcing them to retreat to rural areas and adopt guerrilla warfare.
In conclusion, the years 1921-1927 were crucial for China, marked by the formation of the CCP and the brief but significant First United Front with the KMT. This period involved struggles for national unity, revolutionary change, and ideological conflicts, laying the groundwork for future events and the rise of the CCP as a leading political force in China.
2. 1928-1949: Changes in Maoist Strategy and Revolutionary Actions in Kiangsi and Yenan; Communist Success
1. Formation of the Jiangxi Soviet (1928-1934)
Setting Up the Jiangxi Soviet
In 1928, after losing in Shanghai and the First United Front, the CCP moved to the countryside and set up the Jiangxi Soviet in southern China. This area became a major center for communist activities.
- Main Goals: The Jiangxi Soviet aimed to resist Kuomintang (KMT) control and gain support from peasants. Its main goal was to create a strong communist base in rural areas.
- Mao’s Approach: Under Mao Zedong, the Jiangxi Soviet developed Maoist ideas. Mao understood that the revolution needed to focus on peasants, not just workers in cities, which shaped his future plans.
Land Reforms and Social Changes
The Jiangxi Soviet made land reforms to gain the support of poor peasants:
- Land Distribution: They took land from rich landlords and gave it to poor peasants, helping those who worked the land.
- Social Programs: The Soviet government also introduced programs for education, healthcare, and economic help for rural people, aiming to eliminate bad practices like forced marriages and the sale of women.
Military Tactics and Clashes with the KMT
The Jiangxi Soviet faced constant attacks from the KMT, which wanted to destroy the communist base. The KMT organized several large campaigns to surround and defeat the Jiangxi Soviet.
- Red Army and Guerrilla Tactics: The Red Army (led by the CCP) used guerrilla tactics to deal with the KMT’s larger forces. Mao focused on mobile warfare, attacking quickly and retreating to avoid direct fights.
- The Siege of Jiangxi: Despite many KMT attacks, the CCP managed to hold their ground for several years, showing the strength and cleverness of the Red Army.
2. The Long March (1934-1935)
Reasons and Goals
The Long March was a forced retreat of the CCP’s Red Army from the Jiangxi Soviet to Shaanxi in 1934-1935, due to the KMT’s fifth encirclement campaign.
- Breaking Out: The Long March started because the Red Army was surrounded by KMT forces. Mao and other leaders decided to escape and find a safer place.
- Strategic Aims: The Long March aimed to keep the CCP leadership, maintain its military strength, and set up a new base in the northwest, hoping to get more support from peasants and workers.
Key Events and Challenges
The Long March was a tough and important journey, with the Red Army covering over 6,000 miles and facing many challenges:
- Harsh Conditions: The Red Army had to cross mountains, swamps, and rivers, facing starvation, illness, and exhaustion.
- Fighting: The Long March included many battles with KMT forces and other enemies, not just a retreat.
- Losses: Only a small number of the original 100,000 soldiers survived, with many dying from disease, hunger, or KMT attacks. By the end, about 8,000-10,000 troops remained.
Importance and Impact on the CCP
The Long March strengthened Mao Zedong’s leadership in the CCP. During the march, his focus on peasant-based revolution gained more support.
- New Base in Shaanxi: The Long March led the Red Army to Yenan in Shaanxi Province, where they rebuilt their strength.
- Mao’s Control: The march also solidified Mao’s leadership over the CCP, establishing him as the main figure in the communist movement in China.
3. Yenan Period (1935-1948)
Rebuilding in Yenan
After the Long March, the CCP regrouped in Yenan, where they set up their new main office. Yenan became a center for communist ideas, military plans, and political organization.
- Focus on Rural Areas: The Yenan period shifted the CCP’s attention to the rural population, promoting land reform, education, and social help to gain peasant support.
- Strengthening the Red Army: The CCP worked to rebuild and train the Red Army for future battles.
Mao’s Leadership and Ideas
Mao Zedong’s leadership became stronger during the Yenan period, where his ideas developed into Maoism. He emphasized the role of peasants in the revolution, moving away from traditional Marxist views.
- Mao Zedong Thought: During this time, Mao Zedong Thought became the main belief of the CCP, focusing on self-reliance and continuous revolution.
- Education and Propaganda: In Yenan, Mao and his team promoted communist ideas through literature, speeches, and training sessions.
Winning Support and Political Education
The Yenan period involved efforts to gain the people’s support:
- Land Reform: The CCP redistributed land in their areas, taking it from wealthy landlords and giving it to poor peasants.
- Cultural Changes: They also promoted cultural reforms to challenge traditional society and encourage equality and anti-imperialism.
4. Second United Front (1937-1945)
Alliance with the KMT Against Japan
The Second United Front was a temporary alliance between the CCP and the Kuomintang (KMT) to fight against Japanese aggression, formed in 1937 after Japan invaded China.
- Common Goal: Both the CCP and KMT set aside their differences to resist the Japanese invaders.
- Cooperation: Despite mistrust, this alliance allowed the CCP to grow its influence in areas previously controlled by the KMT.
CCP’s Role in the War
During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), the CCP became more important in resisting Japan:
- Guerrilla Tactics: The CCP used guerrilla tactics to fight the Japanese and organized peasants into local militias.
- Gaining Popularity: Their efforts to resist Japan and support peasants increased their popularity among the Chinese people.
5. Civil War and Communist Success (1946-1949)
Civil War Resumes with the KMT
After Japan’s defeat in 1945, the CCP and KMT resumed their civil war for control of China.
- KMT Problems: By 1946, the KMT, led by Chiang Kai-shek, faced issues like corruption and a weak economy, making it hard to fight back against the CCP.
Key Military Campaigns
The CCP carried out successful military campaigns during this time:
- Attacking KMT Forces: The CCP used guerrilla tactics and rallied peasants to defeat KMT positions.
- Liaoshen Campaign (1948): This campaign was a major victory for the CCP, shifting power in their favor.
Reasons for the CCP’s Victory
Several factors led to the CCP’s win over the KMT:
- Support from the People: The CCP gained support from peasants and workers through land reforms and anti-imperialist messages.
- KMT Weakness: The KMT’s internal problems made it hard for them to compete.
- Mao’s Leadership: Mao’s strategic thinking and ability to connect with the people helped lead the CCP to success.
Formation of the People’s Republic of China
In 1949, the CCP won the civil war. On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong announced the formation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), starting a new era of communist rule in China.