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The Civil War and communist rule, 1945 to 49
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After Japan's defeat in 1945, China's Nationalists and Communists fought for control. In 1949 Mao Zedong declared the People's Republic of China.
Two sides
Guomindang (GMD, Nationalists) led by Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek): bigger army, US support, controlled the cities. But it was corrupt, suffered terrible inflation, and was unpopular.
Chinese Communist Party (CCP) led by Mao Zedong: strong in the countryside, disciplined, and popular with peasants because of land reform in the areas it held.
Chinese Communist Party (CCP) led by Mao Zedong: strong in the countryside, disciplined, and popular with peasants because of land reform in the areas it held.
Why the CCP won
Leadership: Mao's strategy and the commanders of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Military: guerrilla tactics, then big victories such as the Huaihai campaign (1948 to 49); many GMD soldiers deserted or changed sides.
Urban unrest: inflation and corruption turned city people against the GMD.
On 1 October 1949 Mao proclaimed the People's Republic of China. Jiang fled to Taiwan.
Military: guerrilla tactics, then big victories such as the Huaihai campaign (1948 to 49); many GMD soldiers deserted or changed sides.
Urban unrest: inflation and corruption turned city people against the GMD.
On 1 October 1949 Mao proclaimed the People's Republic of China. Jiang fled to Taiwan.
Communist rule
Ideology: Marxism-Leninism adapted to China, with peasants as the revolutionary class.
Mao was Chairman of the CCP and dominated it: he was the hero of the revolution and had loyal followers.
The CCP ran the state through democratic centralism: discussion was allowed, but once the leaders decided, everyone had to obey. Party membership grew into the millions.
Mao was Chairman of the CCP and dominated it: he was the hero of the revolution and had loyal followers.
The CCP ran the state through democratic centralism: discussion was allowed, but once the leaders decided, everyone had to obey. Party membership grew into the millions.
Explain one reason why the CCP won the Civil War.
- Land reform in Communist areas won peasant support.
- Peasants supplied the PLA with recruits, food and information.
- This gave the CCP a huge base in the countryside, where most Chinese lived.
Answer: Peasant support, won by land reform, gave the CCP soldiers and supplies.
The GMD was larger and US-backed but corrupt and hit by inflation; the CCP had peasant support, discipline and good leadership. Victory at Huaihai led to the PRC on 1 October 1949. Mao dominated a party run by democratic centralism.
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