Ending the Chinese Civil War

Significance of Sino-Japanese War 1931, Japanese invasion of Manchuria 1936, Kidnapping of Chiang Kai-Shek by warlords 1937, Second United Front Soviets had been hesitant to support the CCP CCP gaining credibility Mao master of propaganda at this time GMD lost popular support due to failures, hesitancy

Second Stage 1946-1949 USA supporting GMD, Soviets now CCP Both wanted a coalition government really, just no Japan 1946-47, GMD on the offensive Greatly outnumbered the CCP, successful militarily in Manchuria Political weaknesses continue though Truces negotiated by the U.S. 1947-49, CCP on the offensive Now called the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Increasing support in Manchuria, captured Japanese weapons

Strengths (CCP) and Weaknesses (GMD) Guerilla warfare Leadership and propaganda of Mao Continued portrayal as champions of China Spread of communism, education of the peasants and land reforms Role of intelligence, spies in the GMD GMD Political ineffectiveness Chiang Kai-Shek’s weaknesses Corruption, disloyalty from lesser commanders Rampant inflation, increased taxation, failures to provide food Poor quality of troops, morale

Foreign Intervention USA Economic aid, transport of forces Pressured Jiang into two crucial truces Had become the Cold War in 1945 USSR Military and economic aid Help in Manchuria in 1947 was crucial Initial support from Comintern had led to divisions and almost ended CCP Backed both United Fronts Stalin and Mao not friends Japan Invasion of Manchuria in 1931, then mainland China in 1937 led to the Second United Front and gains for Mao’s CCP (allowed Mao to portray himself as true defender of China) Captured Japanese weapons in Manchuria would be key to CCP in 48-49 Germany Military aid to the GMD in early stage, evidence in the 5th encirclement

Results Mao in power Chiang Kai-Shek and GMD flee to Taiwan China becomes a part of the Cold War On and off tension between China and USSR Fears in the US on the rise

Paper 2 Practice