Communists In China Essay Example

of Dowager Empress CiXi, her three-year-old grand nephew PuYi was declared emperor. The discontentment among the people continued to grow leading to various groups like Tongmenghui organizing with an aim to overthrowing the Qing dynasty. Surprisingly on October 10, 1911, a group of plotters within the army initiated an uprising that quickly gained control over Wuchang province. This uprising inspired others to join resulting in significant consequences stemming from Wuchang Uprising

Sun Yatsen, a member of Tongmenghui, assumed the role of provincial president for the Republic of China on 1 January 1912. However, due to Yuan Shikai's actions, Sun Yatsen was forced to resign from his provisional presidency. Yuan Shikai orchestrated the abdication of the Qing emperor and in return, appointed himself as president of the republic.
During that same year, a new revolutionary party called Guomindang (GMD) emerged. The GMD advocated for parliamentary democracy and selecting officials based on principles. Nevertheless, Yuan Shikai disagreed with these beliefs and subsequently made the party illegal in 1913.

In 1914, Europe experienced the outbreak of WWI, which Japan utilized to its advantage. By 1915, Japan invaded Quingdao and confronted Yuan Shikai with a list of twenty-one demands. These demands had a significant impact on China's economy, as Japan gained control and exerted influence. Moreover, these demands were viewed as extremely humiliating to the Chinese people.

After Yuan's death in 1916, Sun Yatsen assumed control of the country. He advocated for modernization and rebellion against obedience.

After the First World War, the Chinese expected to receive rewards from their allies. However, when this did not happen, they launched the New Culture movement, which advocated for democracy and education while rejecting Confucianism and traditional

practices. They also opposed the democratic systems implemented by Great Britain and France.
In 1919, during the Versailles negotiations, the allies decided not to reward China. This caused widespread anger among the Chinese population and triggered the May 4th Movement, a rebellion that demanded a more Socialist system. It was during this period that the Chinese began to pay attention to Soviet regimes and their withdrawal from the war.

The establishment of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) occurred in 1921, following the signing of the Treaty two years prior. Mao Zedong and Chou Enlan assumed leadership roles in Beijing and Paris.

In summary, the Chinese people lived in insecure conditions due to major problems following European penetration in the early 19th century. They sought a government that could provide solutions to their struggles.

The Communists capitalized on the mistakes of the Guomindang's policies and actions to portray themselves favorably to the people.

Initially, the GMD aimed for a democratic revolution. Their leader, Sun Yatsen, introduced three principles: Nationalism, Democracy, and People's Livelihood. Nationalism involved a strong central government that would expel foreign influence and restore China's independence. Democracy aimed to secure liberty and equality in a country with a history of imperial dynastic rule. Additionally, Sun called for fair wealth distribution and improvement in people's livelihoods. However, social harmony was lacking in Chinese society, mainly because warlords and foreigners contributed to the country's division. An opposition of privileged classes also emerged.

After the death of Sun Yatsen in 1925, Chiang Kai-Shek, a member of the GMD, assumed leadership in a more aggressive manner compared to Sun. Chiang, being a general, prioritized military unification

over other reforms, considering them to be of lesser importance.

Within two years of becoming president, Chiang instigated a massacre in Shanghai, resulting in the ruthless killing of 6000 communists. This led to the expulsion of the Communists and left wing GMD members, causing a split within the existing government coalition. As a result, Chiang formed his own nationalist government in Nanjing in 1928. However, he failed to fulfill Sun Yatsen's nationalist ideals as he was unable to prevent the Japanese invasion and neglected to unite China by alienating the CCP and the peasants. Additionally, Chiang formed alliances with landlords and warlords, rendering the pursuit of the People's Livelihood policy unprofitable and impossible. These landlords and warlords oppressed the people and made their lives miserable.

Chiang's disregard for important qualities needed in a political leader impeded his commitment to democracy. An example of this is his unwillingness to recognize the citizens' entitlement to express their desires.

In just three months, Shanghai and Nanjing were conquered during the Sino-Japanese War of 1937-45, showcasing the GMD's insufficient leadership skills, ineffective military strategies, and unfamiliarity with the advanced weaponry and coordinated attacks utilized by the Japanese army.

The relocation of GMD's local officials to Chongqing exposed multiple regions in China to CCP control. Chiang, acting as a military dictator, believed that the unification of China could only be achieved by employing force and eliminating those who resisted the nationalist government. This included initially targeting the communists, followed by the warlords, and ultimately even the Japanese.

The Guomindang introduced a system of taxes and credit in rural areas to compensate for economic losses and reduce inflation, but these measures were highly

unfair and only increased dissatisfaction among the people. Peasants were required to pay 45% of their entire harvest as land rent, with potential imprisonment for non-compliance due to strong support for landlords by the law. During the collection of land taxes, tax collectors had the freedom to charge any amount they thought was appropriate since the peasants were unaware of the legal rates. This highlights the significant disparity between Chiang's legal and financial system and the peasants, who constituted 90% of the population.

In conclusion, it can be inferred that after Sun's leadership, the GMD government showed no interest in a societal revolution, and their implemented reforms had minimal impact beyond larger cities or on improving overall welfare. As a result, initial support for GMD dwindled as Chinese citizens sought not only solutions to their social, political, and economic issues but also ways to expel Japanese invaders.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) experienced considerable success during the Japanese war and in their territories through effective policies and decisive actions. However, China encountered a crisis following World War I, marked by decreased demand for its goods, currency manipulations, and worsened economic conditions caused by the global depression of the 1930s. The CCP's emergence as a critical factor was underscored by the central government's inability to effectively tackle these issues.

In 1921, Mao Zedong and other young radicals attended the first congress of the CCP.
Following this event, Mao developed the belief that communism could gain worldwide influence.
At that point in time, the party was not considered capable of governing China.
Three years later, Michael Bordin, a Russian political advisor, suggested that the Chinese Communists should cooperate with the

GMD, a party founded by Sun Yatsen.

In 1924, the Communist Party of China (CCP) and the Guomindang (GMD) collaborated to oust remaining warlords in specific Chinese provinces. However, after Sun Yat-sen's death, Chiang Kai-shek took control in 1925 and was perceived as a formidable warlord.

From its inception until 1927, Chiang Kai-shek led this coalition. During his tenure, he removed communists from the government and orchestrated the Shanghai massacre against the anti-CCP forces. As a result, the CCP-GMD alliance dissolved and a competing government emerged in Nanjing.

The communists had no choice but to establish "Red base areas" in order to expand their influence throughout China. In contrast, the Communist Party grew rapidly compared to the conservative GMD and implemented policies such as land reform and labor unions. These differing ideologies resulted in Chiang executing numerous CCP and union members. Those lucky enough to escape this brutal purge either sought refuge in the hills or went into hiding within the cities. Eventually, they abandoned their urban pursuits as Chiang held more power there. As a result, the communists realized that their best chance for success was among the impoverished countryside and peasantry.

By 1930, Mao, along with other communist rebels, created a rural base area in the southeastern province of Jiangxi. In order to gain support from the peasants, they developed fairer land policies, military tactics that incorporated the local peasants, and other doctrines.

In October 1934, approximately 100,000 communists commenced the Long March', a journey spanning over 6 thousand miles. Despite being a tactical military setback, this undertaking provided the communists with crucial advantages in terms of psychology and organization. Moreover, it generated positive involvement from peasants encountered

along the march route. The CCP declared their purpose for marching was to combat Japan, a cause that resonated with a Chinese populace increasingly concerned about Japanese encroachments in the north. The CCP demonstrated an understanding of the challenges they faced and, more importantly, exhibited a willingness to take action and address the situation.

Therefore, the Second World War provided a valuable chance for the communists to demonstrate their effective guerilla warfare tactics, thanks to Mao's strong leadership. The Japanese atrocities led to an increase in peasant participation in active resistance. Additionally, the vulnerability or absence of local leaders allowed the communists to position themselves as leaders of the popular patriotic movement against the foreign invaders.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) integrated the status of women into their policies, as demonstrated by Mao's statement that "Women hold up half the sky." Through these reforms, the communists freed women from their husbands and other men, similar to how they liberated peasants from landlords and moneylenders.

Consequently, it can be said that the communist policies and strategies resonated with the Chinese population who desperately sought solutions. The CCP provided various types of society with improved social and economic statuses, enabling them to contribute to the nation's development, whether through participation in the Japanese war or general societal improvements.

To replace the Guomindang (GMD) and establish the People's Republic of China, the CCP required support from the masses, particularly peasants and intellectuals. By implementing more appealing policies and taking action, they were able to achieve their goal.

The majority of the Chinese population, who were peasants, faced difficult circumstances including limited agricultural land and a growing

population. Additionally, inflation and the Great Depression in 1929 made life unbearable with increasing taxes, interest rates, and high land rentals.

Mao, the communist leader, initially doubted the ability of peasants to lead the revolution in China. However, he later expressed that:

"Peasants will rise like a powerful storm, like a hurricane; an unstoppable force that no power can hold back. They will break free from their constraints and move towards liberation. They will overthrow imperialists, warlords, corrupt officers, local tyrants, and evil gentry and bury them."2

The communists have indeed demonstrated their capability to assume control of the country.

Land reforms, lower taxes, debt abolition, and local self-government were crucial in gaining the support of the peasants during times of peace. The Red Army, both during the Japanese war and the civil war, demonstrated bravery and caution in order to avoid offending the peasants. They exerted efforts to ensure fair land distribution, support for women, and encouragement for people to join their cause while also emphasizing the importance of education and prestige.

In contrast, the GMD offered no support to the peasants. They brought the peasants to a state of despair during peaceful times and exploited and mistreated them during times of war.

The intellectuals, a significant societal group in China, held traditional influence and were of importance to both the GMD and the CCP. In the 1920's and 1930's, they became disconnected from the GMD, but the CCP recognized their potential contribution to the revolution. The communists feared that the intellectuals might not align with their ideologies, but also saw an opportunity to benefit from their expertise. To win their support,

the CCP provided salaries and other resources, and established Party-controlled associations for various intellectual domains. Consequently, the CCP could observe the reception and development of their ideas through these channels.

The CCP effectively persuaded both intellectuals and peasants that communism was the solution to their issues, which led to gaining support from the majority and ultimately acquiring power.

Concerned about the safety of their nation, the Chinese feared the influence of foreign powers such as Japan and the West.
A warning was issued stating that if China did not promote nationalism and unite its 400 million people into a strong race, it could face destruction as a nation and extinction as a race.3
Despite Chiang's efforts to unify China, he faced obstacles in the form of warlords' control and constant interference from Japan. In 1931, Japanese troops occupied Manchuria, China's prosperous northeastern region. The following year saw the establishment of a puppet state called Manchuko by Japan in that region, followed by southward expansion into provinces around Beijing in subsequent years.

In 1937, the Japanese initiated a complete invasion of China, capturing major cities like Beijing in the north and Canton in the south.
The Japanese soldiers displayed immense cruelty, as evidenced by their official slogan "Kill all, destroy all, burn all".
As a result of this brutality, China suffered substantial casualties during the initial weeks of the conflict. The loss of these cities greatly hindered Chiang's economic development objectives. Furthermore, he had to simultaneously address the Communist threat while dealing with the Japanese invasion.

Despite his greater dislike for the Communists, he also expresses strong dislike for the Japanese. Yet, he required funding to combat both groups with modern armies. Most of

this funding was derived from taxes, despite agriculture being the economy's largest sector. Wealthy landowners, who supported GMD politically, were exempt from taxation. However, due to the Japanese occupation and subsequent flight of conservative local leaders, their direct influence diminished making them less valuable to GMD.

The difficulties faced by the Nationalists provided an opportunity for the Communists to demonstrate their capabilities and exploit the situation. They were able to engage in guerrilla warfare, and the Japanese atrocities played into their favor as they prompted millions of peasants to initiate resistance actively.

The GMD in the Japanese war had little chance due to their poorly organized and maintained troops and lack of respect towards peasants and their own soldiers. This led the Chinese people to realize that the Communist regime was the only one capable of bringing improvement to the nation at that time. Thus, it can be said that the Japanese War provided the Communists with the perfect opportunity to gain majority support and cause the rejection of the GMD.

Another significant factor in the Communist takeover of China was the Civil War, which took place from 1946 to 89.

By autumn of 1946, the Nationalists and Communists were engaged in uncontrollable fighting. Most people believed that the GMD had a favorable position and a chance to win the Civil War. This belief was based on their possession of a large arsenal of US weapons and their army being three times larger than the CCP's.

The PLA (People's Liberation Army) gained control over rural areas, while Chiang occupied almost all cities, including Yanan. During the Civil War, the Nationalists successfully expelled communist units from

central and southern China, but this did not significantly strengthen their armies. Three main factors contributed to this outcome. Firstly, the Communists avoided large-scale battles, so the Nationalist progress did not lead to the destruction of communist military forces. Secondly, the Nationalists struggled to establish control over communication lines such as railways and roads, resulting in difficulties for their units to receive supplies or even being completely cut off. Finally, the significant increase in CCP forces was due to peasants joining the Communist cause and fighting alongside them.

When the Civil War began, the GMD had an advantage in military manpower and were three times superior in weaponry. However, they were unable to capitalize on these advantages and secure a victory due to weak leadership qualities and the condition of their soldiers. The GMD officers were known to be brutal and unfair, mistreating their men and cheating them out of their pay and food. Additionally, the families of fallen soldiers received no support scheme, despite facing harsh economic circumstances and losing their labor contributions.

In contrast, the communist armies had significant strengths that compensated for their early disadvantages in manpower and equipment. Even their officers were willing to cooperate in regional strategies without seeking personal gain. They fairly supplied the army with arms, medical services, and food. Unlike the Nationalists, the Communists provided regular political training for the rank-and-file soldiers, fostering an understanding of the war's purpose and the party's intentions in promoting reform in conquered areas and supporting their families. Drawing from their experience during the Japanese war, the Communists possessed the qualifications to use flexible tactics against an enemy lacking these abilities.

The decisive battle occurred

in Xuzhou, which served as the main defense point for preventing Communist access to the lower Yangzi region from the north.The battle, which lasted for two months, resulted in a total victory for the Communists by January 10, 1949. Both sides suffered half a million deaths, and over 300,000 Nationalist troops were captured.

Hence, it can be deduced that the triumph of the Communists can be attributed to their robust military prowess, socio-political initiatives, and the contrasting shortcomings and position of their adversary, including the military weaknesses and other characteristics of the GMD.

In summary, the Communists gained power in China by exploiting the mistakes of the Guomindang and effectively fighting in the Civil and Japanese War. Mao Zedong emerged as the leader and established the People's Republic of China.

Bibliography
Buggy T., The Long Revolution, Shakespeare Head Press, Melbourne, 1988
Chu S.C. et al, Li Hung Chang and China's early Modernization, East Gate, New York, 1994
Clubb O., 20th Century China, Colombia University press, London,1978
Cowie, H.R., Asia and Australia in World Affairs (vol 3), Nelson, Melbourne, 1987
Cowie, H.R., Obedience or Choice, the major issues of the modern world, Jacaranda Press, Milton, QLD, 1986
Escherick, J.W., The Origins of the Boxer Uprising, University of California press, London, 1987
Fairbank J.K., China bound, a fifty year memoir, Harper Colophon Books, New York, 1982
Fritzgerald C.B., The Birth of Communist China, Penguin, USA, 1971
Hinton H.C., The People's Republic of China 1919-1984, Scholary Resources Inc., New York, 1986
Hoepper et al, Inquiry 1, Jacaranda , Melbourne, 1996
Hooper B., China Stands Up, ending the western

presence 1948-1950, Allen & Unwin Australia Pty Ltd., SydneyUnwin, Sydney, 1986
Hsu I, The Rise of Modern China (fifth edition), Oxford University press, Colorado (Boulder), 1982
Laffey M., Mao and the Struggle for China, Heinemann, Hong Kong, 1992
Mackerras C. et al, Dictionary of the Politics of the People's Republic of China, WW Norton ;Co, New York, 1990
Thornton R.C., China's Political History 1917-1980, Westview press, Colorado (Boulder), 1982
Ward H., China in the Twentieth Century, Heinemann Edu, Hong Kong, 1990