Chapter 2: The triumph of Mao and the CCP 1934-49 Flashcards
(42 cards)
Why did the CCP undertake the Long March?
To escape encirclement and annihilation by Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist forces (GMD) during the Fifth Encirclement Campaign.
Where did the Long March begin and end?
Began in Jiangxi Province (south-east China) in October 1934 and ended in Shaanxi Province (north-west China) in October 1935.
What was the significance of the Luding Bridge during the Long March?
A crucial crossing point over the Dadu River. The CCP’s capture of the bridge was a propaganda victory, portraying their bravery and determination.
What key decision was made at the Zunyi Conference?
Mao Zedong effectively gained control of the CCP’s military and political strategy and became defacto leader, marking a turning point in his rise to power and the CCP’s direction.
When was the zunyi conference
January 1935
Why was Yan’an important for the CCP?
It became the CCP’s headquarters and a center for ideological development, training, and the implementation of policies that won popular support.
What key policies did the CCP implement in Yan’an to gain peasant support?
Land reform (reducing rents and redistributing land), literacy programs, and promises of social reform.
How did the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) benefit the CCP?
It weakened the GMD, allowed the CCP to present itself as a patriotic resistance force, and expand its territorial control and popular support in the countryside through guerrilla warfare.
What was the Second United Front?
A temporary alliance between the CCP and the GMD to fight against the Japanese invasion. It was uneasy and eventually collapsed after the war.
How did the CCP’s military strength change during the Sino-Japanese War?
The Red Army grew significantly through recruitment and effective guerrilla tactics, developing into a formidable fighting force.
What was the immediate situation in China after the end of WWII?
Despite the alliance against Japan, tensions between the CCP and GMD remained high, leading to the resumption of the Chinese Civil War.
What were key strengths of the CCP in the Chinese Civil War?
Strong peasant support due to land reform, disciplined and motivated army (PLA), effective propaganda, and strategic military leadership under Mao.
What were key weaknesses of the GMD in the Chinese Civil War?
Corruption, economic mismanagement, reliance on urban areas, and less effective mobilization of peasant support.
How did economic factors contribute to the CCP’s victory?
-GMD caused high inflation due to printing too much money
- they also enforced wage control and new taxes
-In contrast the Yanan economy worked- GMD lost support from middle class
Social Factors for CCP Victory
The CCP’s promises of social equality and a better future resonated with many Chinese, particularly the peasantry, who felt neglected by the GMD.
middle class also saw CCP as loyal to China-educated supporters spread the message,win over towns and cities
How did military factors contribute to the CCP’s victory?
-Mao was a skilled leader- plans, military strategies
-The PLA -used wide range of tactics and eventually switched to conventional warfare
-the army was ideologically motivated by communism
-treated local population with respect
-Chiang made tactical errors and was a poor leader- military was poorly treated and had to join by force
what were 3 long term reasons for tensions between Japan and China?
- first sino-japanese war in 1894-95
-the 21 demands to Yuan Shi Kai 1915
-Japan being given Shandong province in 1919
2 short term reasons for tensions
Mukden incident (sept 1931)
Shanghai attacked (1932 jan)
What was the mukden incident (Manchurian crisis)
-japanese blow up their own railway section in manchuria
-china is blamed for this
-Japan conquers manchuria
-Despite the league of nation’s condemnation, japan ignores
-manchuria becomes manhcuko- puyi is puppet leader
How did chiang initially respond to the japanese aggression?
Prioritized suppressing the CCP as the greater perceived threat, demonstrated a policy of appeasement towards Japan (e.g., Manchurian Crisis, Shanghai Incident), underestimated Japanese ambitions, and this stance contributed to internal dissent (Xi’an Incident).
what was the xi an incident and when?
1936-Chiang Kai-shek kidnapped by his generals (Zhang & Yang) who demanded a united front against Japan. His release led to a temporary Nationalist-Communist alliance against Japanese aggression.
what were the events that followed the second united front? how did it look on the GMD?
-shanghai, beijing and nanjing are all lost to the Japanese. GMD retreat to chongqing (GMD -)
-rape of nanjing- 50,000 chinese people killed/assaulted (GMD -)
-former coleague of chiang made leader of ‘new china’ (GMD -)
-1941 pearl harbour shifts focus of japanese away from china
How did the war impact CCP in general
-membership rose from 40,000-1.2 million people
-peasants were treated well- 8 rule of the red army, many were recruited in the red army, land reforms
-propaganda- ‘ccp saved china’
-red army succeeded in guerilla tactics- 100 regiments offensive won against japan
-landlords treated well, rent control not extreme measures
What was the 70/20/10 plan?
A strategy dividing the CCPs efforts: 70% expansion of influence, 20% consolidation of gains, 10% fighting the Japanese. This prioritized long-term growth over direct military confrontation.
