II. Communist Revolution in China 1927-1937

A. Background Qing Dynasty is over thrown after years of corruption and foreign abuse (Pu Yi- Last Emperor of China) Replaced by Sun Yat-Sen (president 1911-14): promised three principals of the people: Nationalism, Democracy, and Prosperity Starts the Nationalist party called the Kuomintang (unified Chinese) Problem: it does not eliminate the gap between rich and poor-China is mostly poor peasant farmers!

B. Chiang Kai-Sheck (jiang jieshi) President following Sun Does nothing to help better the lives of poor peasants Skilled military leader Communist movement begins around the country under direction of Mao Zedong Will go after Mao because he knows Communists are a threat to Democracy Shanghai Massacre-Nationalist army will slaughter known Communists in the city of Shanghai Mao will fight Chiang and Nationalist Army during civil war (1927-37)

C. Mao Zedong Treaty of Versailles gave German claimed lands in China to Japan after WWI (this angered many Chinese- gives them a reason to protest Nationalist Government) Did not like gap between rich and poor (remember, the majority of Chinese are poor farmers) Organizes peasants to revolt against Chiang (bloody) Long March-escapes capture by Chiang by fleeing to mountains in North China. Here he receives weapons and aid from Soviet Union. 6,000 mile trip. Only 8,000 out of 100,000 survive. Gives Mao Legendary Status Revolution is put on hold in 1937 as Japan invaded China. Mao and Chiang have to combine forces to fight the Japanese.