Lecture on Early 20th Century China and the Rise of Chinese Communism
Overview
Early 20th century China saw the decline of the Qing dynasty and the rise of competing forces: republicanism, warlordism, nationalism, and communism.
Key events included revolutions, civil wars, and external pressures from Western powers and Japan.
Key Historical Developments
End of the Qing Dynasty and Rise of Nationalism
Qing dynasty defeats in the Sino-Japanese Wars (1895, 1900) led to territorial and economic concessions.
1911 Revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty, led by Sun Yat-sen and the "Three Principles of the People": nationalism, democracy, and people's livelihood.
Initial republican government fragmented into warlordism.
World War I and the May 4th Movement
China joined WWI to improve its international standing but was let down by the Versailles Treaty.
May 4, 1919, student protests in Beijing were anti-traditionalist and led to some intellectuals adopting Marxism.
Formation of the CCP
Founded in 1921 by Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao.
The CCP grew during the warlord era and aligned with Sun Yat-sen's KMT for a brief period.
The Northern Expedition and the Collapse of the First United Front
Chiang Kai-shek led the Northern Expedition (1926-28) to unify China under KMT control.
Tensions with CCP led to violent suppression in April 1927, ending the First United Front.
Chiang Kai-shek and the Nanjing Decade
Post-1928, Chiang led China as "Generalissimo," supported by business and intellectual elites.
Internal divisions persisted despite some reforms; Japan remained a threat.
Mao Zedong and the Rise of Guerrilla Warfare
Mao advocated for rural revolution, organized early uprisings, and built the Red Army with Zhu De.
Mao’s writings on guerrilla warfare stressed flexibility, local support, and strategic retreat.
The Long March
Mao and the CCP undertook the Long March (1934-36) after a series of failed campaigns against Chiang’s forces.
The march solidified Mao’s leadership within the CCP and allowed rethinking of future strategies.
Strategic Developments and the Sino-Japanese War
Mao’s Three Stages of Insurgency outlined a strategy from guerrilla warfare to conventional battles.
The Sian Incident (1936) led to the Second United Front against Japan; the Civil War paused temporarily.
The Second Sino-Japanese War began in 1937 with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
Post-Second Sino-Japanese War
The alliance between KMT and CCP fell apart post-WWII, leading into the Cold War era.
Chiang and Mao’s interactions during this period set the stage for future conflicts.
Cultural Notes
Mao drew on Chinese classics like Sun Tzu and Western theorists like Clausewitz.
The Long March holds mythic status in Chinese Communist history but is debated by historians.
Additional Resources
Nebula Streaming Service: Offers a series on Soviet atomic history and other historical content.
Real Time History: Provides detailed historical analyses accessible through platforms like Nebula and Patreon.