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The triumph of Mao and the CCP, 1934 to 49
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Driven from their bases, the Communists made an epic retreat. War with Japan then gave them the chance to grow, and in 1949 they won the civil war.
The Long March, 1934 to 35
Surrounded by GMD forces, the Communists broke out in 1934 and marched about 6,000 miles to Yan'an in the north.
Most who set out did not survive, but Mao Zedong emerged as leader, and the march became a legend of endurance.
Most who set out did not survive, but Mao Zedong emerged as leader, and the march became a legend of endurance.
War with Japan, 1937 to 45
Japan invaded China in 1937. The GMD and CCP formed a second United Front.
The GMD fought major battles and lost heavily; the CCP's Red Army used guerrilla tactics behind Japanese lines and won peasant support.
The CCP grew enormously during the war.
The GMD fought major battles and lost heavily; the CCP's Red Army used guerrilla tactics behind Japanese lines and won peasant support.
The CCP grew enormously during the war.
The Civil War, 1946 to 49
After Japan's defeat, civil war resumed.
The GMD had more troops and US aid but suffered from corruption and inflation.
The Communists won decisive victories, including the Battle of Huai-Hai (1948 to 49).
Mao proclaimed the People's Republic in October 1949.
The GMD had more troops and US aid but suffered from corruption and inflation.
The Communists won decisive victories, including the Battle of Huai-Hai (1948 to 49).
Mao proclaimed the People's Republic in October 1949.
Explain how the war with Japan helped the CCP.
- The GMD fought the main battles and was badly weakened.
- The CCP fought a guerrilla war and won peasant support.
- By 1945 the CCP was far bigger and stronger than in 1937.
Answer: The GMD was weakened by fighting Japan while the CCP grew.
The Long March (1934 to 35) to Yan'an made Mao leader. During the war with Japan (1937 to 45), the GMD was weakened while the CCP's Red Army grew through guerrilla war and peasant support. In the Civil War (1946 to 49), victories such as Huai-Hai brought Communist victory.
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