Lecture Notes: Revolution and Civil War in Early 20th Century China

Early 20th Century China

• China still ruled by an emperor.
• Traditional appearance: men with long cues, sign of subservience.
• Growing discontent with imperial rule.

1911 Revolution

• Military rebellion, emperor overthrown.
• Men cut off their cues symbolically.
• Republic of China declared.

Rise of Warlords

• Weak central government, dozens of warlords fill political vacuum.
• Various warlords with unique traits, supported by foreign powers.

Foreign Influence and Nationalism

• Influence of Western powers in China.
• Special areas called concessions controlled by foreigners.
• Nationalist sentiment grows, May 1919 protests against foreign influence.

Sun Yat-sen and Nationalist Party

• Sun Yat-sen, leader of Nationalist Party, charismatic and influential.
• Soviet Union offers support, Nationalist Party allows Communist Party cooperation.
• Military academy set up in Canton; Chiang Kai-shek appointed commander.

Northern Expedition

• Sun Yat-sen dies, power struggle; Chiang emerges as leader.
• Campaign to unite country, significant victories.
• Mass rallies, cooperation between Nationalists and Communists.

Chiang Kai-shek and Anti-Communist Purge

• Chiang purges communists in Shanghai, spreads nationwide.
• National government established in Nanking.
• Efforts to modernize China: infrastructure, education, security.
• Severe tactics against suspected communists, rampant corruption.

Communist Response and Long March

• Communists regroup in countryside; Mao Zedong's leadership.
• Mao’s strategies conflict with other Communist leaders.
• Pressure from Chiang's military campaigns leads to Long March (1934).
• End of Long March, establishment of Yenan base.

Japanese Invasion

• Japanese invade Manchuria, further aggression against China.
• Japanese brutality, atrocities like Nanking Massacre.
• Nationalist policy of non-resistance initially.
• Formation of the Second United Front against Japan.

World War II and US Involvement

• US provides significant aid to Nationalists; Stillwell and Hurley missions.
• Conflicts within Nationalist ranks and with Communists.
• Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor shifts global dynamics.

Civil War Resumes

• Post-WWII, breakdown of mediation; civil war inevitable.
• Initial nationalist successes, later communist counteroffensive.
• Nationalist corruption, mismanagement, and loss of support.

Communist Victory

• Nationalists retreat to Taiwan with valuable resources.
• Establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
• Mixed emotions: joy of victory vs. losses and ideological conflicts.

Legacy and Reflection

• Personal reflections of the era from different perspectives.
• Major social, economic, and political upheavals leading to a new China.

Funding Acknowledgments

• Major funding by National Endowment for the Humanities, MacArthur Foundation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, New York Council for the Humanities.