THE CHINESE CIVIL WAR: LONG-TERM CAUSES Conflict between the CCP and KMT occurred between 1927 and 1937 and later, more intensely, between 1945 and 1949. Between both periods, there was some sort of cooperation especially given the second Sino-Japanese war. a. THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN CHINA 1900-1937 Ideological differences between the Nationalists and the CCP which made compromise impossible were vital, as the context of political instability within China in the first half of the 20th century. 1. RURAL POVERTY - - China was predominantly rural, 85% of the population were peasants (even in 1930s) o Most of these peasants lived in the edge of need as most did not have running water and lived off agriculture o In 1927, disasters in the north-west had led to three million deaths from famine This majority of peasants did not own land, they rented it from landlords, some payed with 70% of the value of the crops, which left peasants with little money o The landlords were very unpopular (high/middle class) 2. URBAN POVERTY - Urban population was very small, 4.5% living in cities and towns. o This was mainly due to China’s small industrial sector (more agriculture dominant) INDUSTRIAL GROWTH o Their industrial sector was improving between 1920s and 1930s due to the foreign investment and development of new techniques. o This expansion brought a lot of peasants from rural zones to migrate to cities to work LIVING AND WORKING CONDITIONS o Huge polarization of wealth between employers and workers o Workers had low wages lack of proper working conditions o IN SHANGHAI THERE WERE DEATHS OF DISEASE, HUNGER AND SANITATION (20,000 PER YEAR) TRADE UNIONS o There were attempts to organize workers into groups to protest, however, since most were desperate for work it was difficult o A lot of the workers were easily threatened by their employers o However, there were still several strikes CCP CENTRAL SHANGHAI GENERAL UNION: able to grow in two years from 43,000 members to 821,000 members b. POLITICAL FRAGMENTATION IN CHINA 1912-1917 - - Between 1912 and 1927, China’s government and politics were very instable o Collapse of Qing Dynasty – new emperor in 1912 o Revolution of 1911-1912 – bringing the nationalists into power with the government After the general Yuan Shakti died in 1916, regional warlords began to establish themselves as independent dictators USSR assisted to reorganize nationalists party and develop political influence in China o They also insisted to have an alliance with the CCP to fight the warlords o THE FIRST UNITED FRONT – 1924 1. THE NORTHERN EXPEDITION - CCP and the Nationalists (KMT) launched a campaign (military) in 1926 to defeat warlords and reunify China This campaign was successful and the Nationalist were seen as the government leaders in China However right after the problems between the CCP and the KMT resurfaced, going back to conflicts between one another (no more alliance) c. IDEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES - CCP AND THE KMT HAD DIFFERENCES WITH ONE ANOTHER CAUSING ISSUES IN 1927, CLEARLY THE UNITED FRONT WAS TEMPORARY. 1. THE IDEOLOGY OF THE NATIONALIST PARTY - They wanted to create a modern, unified and independent China. - They considered there were three main points to address (Manifesto of the first national congress of the nationalist party) o Nationalism: eliminate foreign influence bring reunification ensure equality o Popular Sovereignty o Principles of people livelihood Redistribution of land to landless peasants State support for the diseased, disabled, and old Industries: Banking and Railways. APPEAL OF NATIONALIST PARTY IDEOLOGY o Nationalism was very popular, the Chinese were keen to see the exploitation of industries and economic development for China o Foreign powers had the right to set taxes in the concessions in China only o Introducing democracy was popular o The peasantry found Nationalist appealing given their aim for a social reform (redistribution of land to landless peasants) HOWEVER, THE NATIONALISTS WERE UNABLE TO ACHIEVE THIS ONCE THEY WERE IN POWER. 2. THE IDEOLOGY OF THE CCP - - They established in Shanghai in 1921, they shared similarities with the nationalist, but also proposed different things. They wanted to defeat warlords and concessions They wanted to restructure society based on Marxist ideas o Elimination of property ownership and bourgeoise class (this would happen with a revolution of the peasantry) o Collectively owned property It developed under the leadership of MAO ZEDONG (diverged from traditional Marxism) o He believed the agents of revolution were peasants Could only succeed in rural predominance Encouraged nationalism Redistributed land could be owned by the peasant. d. EARLY CLASHED BETWEEN THE CCP AND THE KMT 1927-1934 - Tensions began to grow after and during the Norther Expedition. The CCP used the northern expedition as a form of spreading their ideology to peasants in rural areas 1. THE WHITE TERROR IN SHANGHAI April 1927 - The green Gang caused a attack in CCP headquarters in Shanghai - Chiang stopped this by sanctioning and imposing a serious anti-communist policy which suggests that had killed 5000 CCP members. o This was destructive since it was the origin place (Shanghai) of the CCP were they had grown in urban workers support. 2. COMMUNSIT COUNTERATTACKS, AUGUST TO DECEMBER 1927 - - CCP launched two counterattacks to the nationalists. The first: The Autumn Harvest Uprising o Series of skirmished using Guerrilla tactics in the countryside against the Nationalists The second: Canton o Second counterattack, however, Nationalists killed thousands of members of the CCP 3. THE COMMUNISTS AT JIANGXI 1928-1934 - - The CCP members who survived the counterattacks moved towards the countryside (for safety) o They managed to regroup through their land reform polcies They established a base for the CCP in Jiangxi (south east China) o This also welcomed Soviet advisors (Jiangxi-Soviet) 4. NATIONALIST CAMPAIGNS AGAINST THE CCP 1930 TO 1934 - - BY 1928, CHIANG AND HIS PARTY WERE RULING IN CHINA They used military encirclement attacks against the CCP to attempt to destroy their rural region bases FIRST ATTACK: against Jiangxi in November 1930 o Communist forces used guerrilla tactics despite being less than the nationalists and managed to encircle lines to raid and prevent nationalist units from linking up. FIRST FOUR CAMPAIGNS ENDED UP BEING VICTORIOUS FOR THE CCP o However, they started to struggle given the inability to sustain with a lack of resources. THE FIFTH ENCIRCLMENT CAMPAIGN o Nationalists finally achieved obtaining Joangxi-Soviet 1933-1934 o CCP counterattacked but they had to prepare toevcuate base since they were unable to go against the Nationalist forces. 5. THE LONG MARCH 1934-1935 - 90,000 CCP were encircled by Nationalists at Jiangxi, communists moved 9000 kilometers after Mao’s successful call They reached Yanan and established a new base. During this, battles between the CCP and the KMT occurred: o LUDING BRIDGE: COMMUNIST STRUGGLES BUT OVERCAME IT (HOWEVER SOME SAID IT NEVER HAPPENED e. THE NATIONALIST IN GOVERNMENT 1928-1937 The problems that confronted the ruling party in the late 1920s were substantial. They had a weak system and governing which influenced on the later civil war. 1. POLITICS - - Chiang made alliances with warlords, and managed to reduce the foreign concessions o By 1928, most densely populated and economically significant powers in China were unified under the Nationalist rule Chiang was the authoritarian leader during the Nationalist governing system. o He had several officials who were in charge of secretly spying in order to remove any type of opposition to the government. 2. ECONOMY - - - The Nanjing decade was a modernization and growth period o GDP growth o Railway constructed 5000km o Opening China’s first commercial airline Nationalists gained support from this Foreign countries helped influence their culture in China o Film, fashion and architecture o Wester styles NEW LIFE MOVEMENT: aimed to have strong moral code and respect for authority which hoped to strengthen KMT’s authority 3. NATIONALIST FAILINGS - However, despite the Nanjing decade, there were still weaknesses of the KMT regime o There were still warlords but smaller They failed to implement democracy as they promised which made people disappointed Dissatisfaction was increased about Chiang’s government due to heavy taxation and loans imposed to urban areas The government was known to be corrupt (heavy influence of Chiang’s family) - By the 1930s, the Nationalists also ignored the peasant suffering, which went against to what they had promised o This helped the CCP gain support At this point, the nationalists had two opposers, Japan and the CCP 4. JAPANS OCCUPATION IN MACHURIA Japan occupied Manchuria in 1931 due to imperialism. o Established Manchukuo in 1932 By 1933, japan had taken Mongolia and Beijing THE NATIONALIST RESPONSE o Chiang had a weak intervention to the Japanese invasion o They appealed to the league of nations but the process was slow and only resulted in sanctions to Japan o China then decided to acknowledge the independence of Manchukuo and demilitarized zone between Beijing and Tanggu in 1933 During this time, Chiang opposed a severe military aggression against the CCP, however, they did not focus on the foreign invasion of Japan, which made the Chinese very mad and lose support of the Nationalists. OPPOSITION TO CHIANG’S POLICY o Evident in demonstrations in China in 1935. 9 of December movement: students showed their opposition to Japan’s invasion and the position of Chiang. o Chiang was then imprisoned for his lack of input in China, which he was liberated under the condition of the Second United Front Alliance in 1936 (revival of the first united front of the 1920s) f. COMMUNIST STRATEGIES OF SURVIVAL AND GROWTH AT YANAN 1935 TO 1947 - AFTER THE LONG MARCH, THEY WERE MASSIVELY REDUCED, SO THEY HAD TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF YANAN During this period, there was a growth in the communist membership 1. COMMUNIST LAND REFORM POLICIES - YANAN growth was mainly due to the increase in the peasant support base o Mainly achieved through the land reforms - o When the CCP moved units of Red Army to other regions, they would establish committees to ordinary peasants and implement this policy o They confiscated land from landlords and distributed it to the peasants This became very appealing to them They abolished traditional customs such as arranged marriage and foot binding, which was also appealing for people Red army was used for political indoctrination o MAO insisted on a strict code of conduct among the army troops to not cause what Nationalist did to the Peasants. 2. THE CCP USE OF TERROR AND COERCION - - Communist control heavily relied in coercion and terror. The biggest victims of this were the landlords and the wealthy peasants. o Peasant gangs would hunt down the landlord which ended up being verbally and physically abused Killing landlords was common this created atmosphere of terror which made CCP assert their authority 3. COMMUNIST ANTI-JAPANESE POLICY - Yanan: established anti-japanese university to train recruits against war with Japan o Promotinf patriotism They began through guerrilla campaigns in 1931 against Japanese invading Manchuria They accepted the united front which was seen positively The anti-Japanese stance was also seen as appealing and allowed the CCP to have more support 4. THE CCP AT YANAN - YOUNG AND ENTHUSIASTIC PEOPLE WOULD GO TO YANAN In Yanan, Mao was seen constantly as a leader to follow and encouraged him as an individual He wrote and gave communist speeches to doctrine The CCP in Yanan were seen to live in livable conditions, however, it was mostly untrue since Mao and other CCP leaders lived in mansions left by landlords. Many followed Mao due to terror especially after the rectification campaign 1942 to 1944 COMMUNIST STRATEGIES OF SURVIVAL AND GROWTH AT YANAN 1935-1947 SHORT-TERM CAUSES The second Sino Japanese war broke out in July 1937. China saw the rapid military and brutal conquest of China. The nationalists and the CCP largely ceased as both focused on combating Japan: SECOND UNITED FRONT, but their conflict broke out once again after the Japanese surrender in 1945. a. The Second Sino-Japanese War 1937-1945 - - A more substantial conflict broke out between the CCP and the Nationalists after the Second Sino Japanese war in 1945. o Mainly because of the impact the invasion had from Japan to China The CCP was strengthened since they were able to enlarge its areas of control in the countryside of northern China The Nationalists emerged militarily stronger to do the support from USA but were weakened politically for focusing more on the CCP than the Japanese invasion. 1. THE EARLY MONTHS OF THE SINO-JAPANESE WAR, AUGUST TO NOVEMBER 1937 - THE MARCO POLO BRIDGE INCIDENT (7TH JULY 1937): Japan invaded China in August and caused 250,000 Chinese casualties Japan’s advance was fast since soon after they had reached Shanghai (October) and then Nanjing (December) 2. THE JAPANESE ADVANCE WEST, NOVEMBER 1937 TO OCTOBER 1938 - The Rape of Nanjing: NOV 1937 TO OCT 1938 o 300,000 civilians were murdered o Tens of thousands were raped and tortured by Japanese troops AFTER THE CAPTURE OF NANJING, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT MOVED ITS CAPITAL TO CHONGQING IN OCTOBER 1938 o This was unpopular given that civilians felt nationalists were abandoning them, weakening their support. By September 1944, Japan had occupied all southern and eastern China, which left the Nationalists in their new capital of Chongqing and unpopular among the Chinese population. In total, the nationalist had lost 500,000 troops to the war effort. 3. THE INCREASE IN CCP STRENGTH 1937 TO 1945 - RENEWED JAPANESE OFFENSIVE: o The Japanese targeted Chongqing, which was occupied by the Nationalists through air bombardment. This led to difficult conditions in China since it became difficult to maintain supplies leading to inflation and starvation in Chongqing. o Given that the USA did not want Japan to win, they assisted China with vital supplies across the Himalayas. - THE CCP DURING THE SECOND SINO JAPANESE WAR o FOR THE CCP, THE JAPANESE INVASION WAS A OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGHTHEN THEM They controlled more of northern Japan since their base of Yanan Nationalists isolated in Chongqing and only focused in fighting Japan and not the CCP The countryside of northern China was left for the CCP o They used GUERRILLA, PROPAGANDA, INCREASING MEMBERSHIP Guerrilla Warfare: They used this to combat Japanese troops and disrupt Japan’s supply lines, Hundred Regiment Campaign (1940) were Japanese railways and coalmines were destroyed Red army guerrilla units continually harassed and sabotaged Japanese troops and supply sources in the countryside They consolidated their power in liberated areas of the countryside. Propaganda: This worked to generate support for the CCP This worked when the Nationalist had killed 3000 communists in the Yangzte River, the CCP made negative propaganda for Chiang for attacking fellow Chinese instead of the Japanese invadors. Increasing Membership: CCP 1936: 22,000 members CCP 1945: 1,200,000 members RED ARMY 1936: 22,000 members RED ARMY 1945: 910,000 members 4. US INTERVENTION - By the end of 1941, Japan occupied Manchuria, much of northern China and the easter coast and had penetrated inland in central China. The nationalists in Chongqing were subject of Japan’s air bombardment The relationship with USA and China was uneasy, and USA were under Japan’s attack of December 1941, which made supply lines decrease significantly. 5. RENEWED JAPANESE OFFENSIVE - Ichigo Offensive o May 1944 o By September, Japan occupied all southern and easter China o Nationalists were isolated in Chongqing and Chiang was losing signficant support. b. JAPANESE SURRENDER, AUGUST 1945 - THE JAPANESE SURRENDERED ON AUGUST OF 1945, AFTER TWO ATOMIC BOMBS WERE DROPPED IN HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI BY THE USA ON AUGUST 6 AND 9TH 1945. - The formal surrender was on September 2nd when they rapidly remove troops from China which caused both the CCP and the KMT to race each other for the power of China - The end of this war set the scene for a intense war, this allowed a resumption of the civil conflict they had lived prior to the Japanese invasion - The second united front dissolved rapidly. COURSE OF THE CHINESE CIVIL WAR In 1945, the nationalists appeared stronger, however with the progression of the war, the CCP gained power and brought their victory. This occurred mainly due to their effective management and military strategy. a. THE CIVIL WAR IN 1945: COMPETITION FOR CONTROL OF NORTHERN CHINA - In the beginning, the nationalists outnumbered the Red Army and had much more military equipment (especially airpower) Despite this, the communist did have potential assets that helped them: 1. TERRITORIAL CONTROL - The CCP was stronger in the north, while the Nationalists in the south and east. - By august 1945, the CCP had expanded outside their Yanan base (19 bases with 95.5 million people in regions) - This allowed them to take control of rich regions such as Manchuria and Shandong. - The presence of soviet troops and Manchuria was a CCP advantage This might facilitate the communist control in the regio This could also be a source of aid or support for the CCP Meanwhile… the nationalists hoped to receive support from the USA - However, it seemed like their aid was not going to come. 2. THE RACE TO CONTROL NORTHERN CHINA - CCP wanted to expand through northern China. It was effective through the countryside, however, more difficult through the cities. Meanwhile the KMT had a rapid advance to the north with the use of US navies and air transport o By the end of AUGUST, they had take control of 17 key cities in North China and captured CCP territory CCP STATEGY o IN EARLY AUTUMN 1945 o CCP adopted a mobile defence strategy, this helped the CCP survive all these years and wore down the Nationalist forces. o By 1947, the Nationalist forces were so weakened that when communist re started attacks on cities, they were much more successful. 3. THE RACE TO CONTROL MANCHURIA - October 1945, the CCP shifted their priorities to Manchuria - Manchuria had several benefits and the CCP received help from the Soviets them o Gave CCP access to Japanese depots (100,00 artillery and guns) o Transferred former Manchukuo troops (200,000) for the CCP o Presented nationalist troops for entering the Region cities - Stalin had complicated relations with Mao. The soviets asked for the CCP to leave key cities in Manchuria and dismantled industrial facilities of Manchuria for their use (800+ million worth) - By September 1945, 150,000 US trained KMT troops were sent to the region o They beat the Red Army in the Shanhaiguan Pass in November 1945 o They were able to take major cities and advance rapidly in Manchuria - Chiang would divert his troops before obtaining full control, which caused him to lose several regions to the CCP b. THE CHINESE CIVIL WAR IN 1946: THE FAILURE TO ACHIEVE A DECISIVE RESULT. - 1946: Nationalists made further territorial gains which made them dominate significant cities in the north while obtaining the south and east THE CCP had most control of the north countryside 1. COMMUNIST ADVANCE AND RETREAT IN MANCHURIA, JANUARY – JUNE 1946 - IN MANCHURIA: the last soviet troops left in May 1946, this was to the extensive control the CCP had and was growing to cities However, the Nationalists managed to take in 2 weeks most of the key cities in the region which forced the CCP to retreat given the air attacks 2. THE TRUCE IN MANCHURIA, JUNE TO OCTOBER 1946 - The CCP and the KMT agreed on: o Chiang would retreat and halt his troops from Manchuria o The USA arranged this truce o This led to being a fundamental factor for their upcoming defeat. 3. FIGHTING RESUMES - This truce only lasted 4 moths when they started fighting for Manchuria again in October 1946. During this time, the CCP had received crucial support from the soviets. Mostly heavy artillery and guns and rifles. This enabled the CCP military commander Lin Biao to reorganize and re-equip troops. o Transformed guerrilla tactics into a more professional use of artillery and higher scale battles with the KMT. The surprise attack to the Sungari River allowed them to beat the Nationalists and take away most of their weaponry. However, the Nationalists still had control of most cities while the CCP remained in the countryside. c. THE CHINESE CIVIL WAR IN 1947: THE HIGHPOINT OF NATIONALIST SUCCESS 1. THE NATIONALIST ADVANCE IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN CHINA, MAY TO DECEMBER 1947 - Since Chiang did not have success in the north and Manchuria, he launched an attack to the provinces in Shandong, Shanxi, and Shaanxi. - They used a rapid advance tactic which allowed them to secure these regions and further attack the Yanan CCP base, which was not too significant but more symbolic. - However, Red army continued through the Rural areas. 2. COMMUNIST COUNTERATTACKS IN CENTRAL AND NORTHER CHINA, NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER 1947 - From the late 1947, CCP strategy shifted towards a large-scale assault By late 1947, the CCP was stronger than the Nationalist in terms of military and support The city of Shijiazhuang in Hebei was the first major city CCP captured November 1947 This was followed later for the CCP to capture major cities in Manchuria d. THE CIVIL WAR IN 1948: COMMUNIST ADVANCE - THE CCP campaigns between 1948 and 1949 transformed its growing advantage to victory. This brough an end to the war sooner than would have occurred if their tactics would have remained the same. 1. THE COMMUNIST MANCHURIA CAMPAIGN, OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 1949 - In Manchuria, the CCP assaults cities achieved significant success. They began with the destruction of the Nationalist of the Nationalist base at Jinzhou on October 15 th 1948 Changchun was captured by the CCP on October 26th o This had over 250,000 casualties o The surrendered of Shenyang on the 2 of November left Manchuria under the control of the CCP 2. THE HUAI-HAI CAMPAIGN, NOVEMBER 1948 TO JUANUARY 1949 - - CCP used strategies focused in cities especially in Xuzhou, the CCP attacked the Nationalist troops and prevent reinforcements to reach this city They then encircled it and the Nationalist with supplies weakened meanwhile communists were encouraged through propaganda o Communists promised food The red army launched an assault which weakened the Nationalist, took their artillery power, and captured the city of Xuzhou four days later in January 1949. 3. THE PINGJIN CAMPAIGN, NOVEMBER 1948 TO JANUARY 1949 - CCP control of central China, was assured by the Pingyin campaign, which ran simultaneously to the Huai-hai campaign. The nationalist commander surrendered Beijing Chiang tried to engage in peace talks having USA and USSR as mediators, however Mao declined, with a clear brink of defeat, the communist would pursue the war as victors e. THE CHINESE CIVIL WAR IN 1949: THE COMMUNISTS ACHIEVE VICTORY - By 1949, a complete CCP victory seemed to be foregone conclusion, strategies coupled with problems for the Nationalist, which brought the victory to the CCP 1. THE RED ARMY ADVANCE INTO SOUTHERN CHINA - The CCP in control of north eastern, north and central China, its objective in 1949, was territory of the Yangtze River. In contrast to the Heavy fighting that had taken place in northern and central China, Nationalists only put minimal effort against the Red Army, The City of Nanjing was taken in April and Shanghai and Wuhan were taken in May Xian and Changsha in August, Chongqing and Xiamen November 1949. The Nationalists fled to Taiwan MAO PROCLAIMED THE CCP THE NEW REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN OCTOBER 1949 f. MANAGING THE WAR - The effective organization of manpower allowed the CCP to effectively win the civil war against the Nationalists. 1. MILITARY PERSONNEL - Nationalist troops outnumbered the communists Red Army. August 1945: Nationalist had an army of 2.7 million men (three times the CCP’s) By 1946: the Red Army had 1.2 million and the Nationalists 4.3 million o However the CCP also had militias (2.2 million) but were untrained As the progression of the war, this caused the Communists to have more control in territory and resources This allowed them to launch huge campaigns such as the Huai-Hai and Pingjin campaigs o In simultaneous Communist military strategies such as aqdopting defence tactics (mobile defense) helped them have an advantage CONSCRIPTS AND DEFECTORS o Both armies relied on conscripts o July 1947:Chiang launched a mobilization with recruitments gangs to obtain troops (this was through violence) o The communists relied heavily in conscription especially from the peasants o Communists gained more troops since they promised food and good conditions, while Nationalist did not. o The CCP caused an environment of terror which led for the Prisioners to work in their favor rather than against Mao 2. MATERIAL - The supply of weapons and food were crucial for military success Neither manufactured their weapons so they relied heavily in exports and foreign aid. Despite KMT having a armament advantage, the CCP showed themselves more fit to sustaining the supplies. THE SUPPLY OF ARMAMENTS TO THE NATIONALISTS: o They relied of products sold by the USA, the USA gave them 2 billion dollars in aid between 1945 and 1949 o They stopped aiding since they considered what they gave was enough for Nationalist victory, however they were so corrupt they did not manage the resources properly o They said that the 2 billion was not only armament but other resources, however they still were unable to sustain them. o Other argue the US supplies arrived too laqte, however the USA had also imposed an embargo in supplies from 1946 to 1949 which affected KMT’s dominance over the CCP o Many supplies did not arrive until 1949 when the CCP had most of control in China THE SUPPLY OF ARMAMENTS TO THE CCP o The CCP relied in manufacturing armament abroad Most of their armament was captured from Japan and then the KMT Initially, they took a lot of what was lef tin Manchuria from Japan and from Korea annexation o Russians also provided the CCP military training but little supply of actual armament. o The majority of their armament came from captured from the Nationalists o Meanwhile the Nationalist had an air advantage, but the CCP had better tactics to use the military that they had. o By the end of the civil war, the CCP had shown to level themselves with the KMT and were able to launch heavy artillery campaigns 3. SUSTAINING CIVILIAN SUPPORT - The ability to sustain the civilian support was crucial which was done through propaganda and popular policies COMMUNIST PROPAGANDA AND POLICIES: o Propaganda and songs were taught to villagers to bring a change to the social aspect of the Chinese people o Policies such as the land redistribution was successful for gaining support especially in the peasants o They initially did not target landlords but did end up using violence at a local level. o While they continued to occupy cities, they implemented policies to improve the lives of urban population He imposed respectful behavior and discipline for the Red Army troops which helped the CCP have a favorable image NATIONALIST PROPAGANDA AND POLICIES o NATIONALIST PROPAGANDA FOCUSED ON A SOCIAL REOVLUTION THAT FRIGHTENES PEOPLE ESPECIALLY COMMERCIAL OWNERS AND ELITE’S o They made people fear the communists however people became discontent with them given their inability to address issues such as hunger and poverty o People believed that the Nationalist had a chance to reform the country but failed. TERROR AND COERCION o Both parties coerced people into supporting them o Both relied in conscripts and imposed economic demands o Nationalists land and CCP land inhabitants had to pay high taxes o CCP zones: They encouraged forced labor and high production of food Peasants had to work in repairing roads and bridges 4. CCP ACCESS TO FOOD SUPPLIES - They had a lot of food in their bases in the countryside This easy access to food let them pursue the strategy mobile defense which was vital for their victory 5. NATIONALIST ACESS TO FOOD SUPPLIES - -= They suffered of food shortages, they used railways to transport food but were cut by CCP There was a lot of inflation given the lack of access to food and inability to use the foreign loans They would eat water rice and boiled eggs This caused the KMT to lose significant support and a decline in morale o Also caused a lot to change sides, to the communist side. Effects of the Chinese Civil War: a. THE POLITICAL IMPACT OF THE WAR: 1. Communist Rule in China This was the most important impact given that China became a communist dictatorship under the rule of Mao. - This dictatorship is not unique; however, they are going to transform China into a communist society. - Given the context of after the second world war, there is a conflict between the west and east, which increases the confrontation of the Cold war. This communist party had a single party state which was the CCP with Mao. Besides being one party, they created committees for the local administration to make decisions. By 1950, there was 1 million committees established (Mao saw them as the voice of the people) Persecution of political opponents Soon, it becomes a government that destroys any type of opposition. They launched a campaign against counterrevolutionaries (opposition) Initially, their enemies were (class) AKA landlords: your behaviors might be seen as counterrevolutionary, which meant everybody had to be careful about what they said. Committees where established (Order Keeping Committees), established in workplace and schools to watch the behavior of people. o In Shandong province, approximately 28000 people were executed due to this policy o Further terror campaigns were launched in 1951 and 1952, including three anticampaigns in late 1951 and five in 1952 targeted those who believed to be guilty of financial misdeeds and owners of property and private businessmen (class enemies of the CCP) 1954 they create the concept of “classicize” meaning the assassination of someone who is a class enemy o This resulted on the deaths of 95% of the landlords in China. The Reunification of China By the end of the civil war, China was more unified. Mao sought outright authority and the Red army were sent to establish control over the more remote regions in the west. - Tibet and Xinyang These regions retained their own distinct ethnic and religious identities. This reunification campaign (Guandong and Xinyang) - Guangdong o they send the army, but they resist but not for long - Xinyang o They use diplomacy to persuade the leadership of the outlying region to surrender - Tibet o The red army was sent in 1950 and it took six months to establish control. This was long because Tibetans were protected by China, but they did not consider themselves part of China. o Once they establish control they rename to Xizang, the teaching of Tibetan language and history is forbidden, and public practice of Tibetans form of Buddhism and lama was outlawed. o Tibetans fought back in a national uprising in 1959, it was crushes with approximately 87000 casualties for Tibet. They were then forcibly incorporated to Mao’s China. Communist and Nationalist Rivalry In Taiwan, Chiang and his Nationalist followers claimed their government, the Republic of China (ROC) was the right government of mainland China - This was a threat to the legitimacy of Mao’s communist PCR In the context of the Cold War, most countries recognized the Nationalist government for China until 1970s. The clashed between the ROC and PRC led to a lot of confrontations such as the Taiwan Straits islands The ROC established troops in Matsu and Quemony, the PRC responded by shelling the islands and declaring that Taiwan must be liberated. In the cold war context, the conflict threatened to grow, many in the USA wanted to ensure Taiwan did not become communist 2. The impact of the civil war in international politics: - The Chinese civil war will intensify the Cold War From US perspective, the CCP’s victory was a threat due to the spread in communism - This will affect the foreign policy of future American presidents. o The USA became more determined to stop the spread in communism When war broke out in Korea, (communist north and non-communist south), the USA pushed the UN to give military support to the south. Formosa Resolution: Great majority of the troops sent were US troops. - This war is going to go from 1950 to 1953 which remained the same (communist north and liberal south US president: Dwight Eisenhower saw himself as a “Cold War Warrior” - He passed the Formosa resolution in 1955: US troops sent to defend Taiwan in the Strait Crisis Increase US commitment against the communist regimes. THE VIETNAM WAR 1954-1975 - This hunted US politicans and result in a more interventionist and mitaristic foreign policy - This led to further escalating the Cold War tensions b. The Social Effects of the War: 1. Casualties - Approximately 4-6 million deaths occurred between 1945 and 1949 due to combat, famine and destruction In the three major campaigns (1948-1949): The Nationalist suffered 1.5 million casualties and the CCP 250,000 Meanwhile, during the second Japanese war o 3 million people died in combat o 18 million civilians’ casualties 2. Social Structure - Landlords are going to be persecuted by the peasants (16 million during the Civil war) At least 1 million landlords were killed between 1945 and 1949 Communists had land reform policies meaning some peasants owned land for the first time. This was a way of appealing into the peasants. o From 1950 they create an Agrarian reform, giving land to peasants and set up “Peopls courts” to put landlords on trial, later they will create collective farms. Collective farms: farms where land are managed by a collective (not owned) o The old feudal system in rural China was destroyed. No more landlords controlling the land. 3. Religion Mao had as an objective the destruction of religion: Both western and traditional Chinese Religions) - He considered that religion is a way of controlling people and a challenge fore his own authority During the cultural revolution, it was labelled as one of the four old’s: the old customs, old habits, old ideas, and old culture. - They destroyed sculptures and documents. He considered they needed a new set of values, so they had culture that promoted communist values. Meanwhile all traditional Chinese and western culture was outlawed (songs, dances, festivals, drama) 4. Women China was a patriarchal society with women enjoying few rights. Women had to follow THREE OBEDIENCES: o Obedient to fathers o Obedient to husbands o Obedient to their sons They were subject to arranged marriages and foot-binding, which eventually prevented women from working. They were confined to domestic duties, childbearing, and maintaining the household. - The civil war period witnessed and improvement in legal and educational structure opportunities for women, but only the minority. The practice for majority of womens did not change, if anything it became more difficult. Women in Nationalist zones: - During Nanjing Decade, there was an expansion in legal rights and opportunities for women. The legal status of women, marriage and divorce, was improved in the civil code of 1930 o Arranged marriage without consent were prohibited o Wives were allowed to initiate divorce o Daughter were equal to inheritance as sons - LABOR LAW: 1931, stated that women should be paid the same as men - By 1935: over 6000 colleges and universities that admitted women. o Education, nursing, and civil service were often traditional female pursued careers NEVERTHELESS, MAJORITY OF LEGAL CHANGES FOR WOMEN DID LITTLE CHANGE GIVEN THEIR TRADITION (RURAL AREAS). A LOT OF WOMEN WERE STILL EXPECTED TO UPHOLD THESE DOMESTIC JOBS. ADDITIONALLY, GIVEN THE JAPANESE INVASION THERE WAS LEGAL OVERSIGHT TO UPHOLD THE LAWS. Women in Communist zones: - In CCP zones, in theory, there was more sexuality acceptation o Women were encouraged to participate in the CCP committees and even serve officials Mao: “women are hold up half of the sky” (they are equal) o Arranged marriages were discouraged, even before the Nationalist civil code outlawed the practice They are not forbidden but they encourage marriages that both sides agree in Foot-binding was prohibited o They were regarded as being legitimate a source of manual labor as men. Women played a more active role in manual work (labor), in fields that formerly were men’s, given that they were taken to the Red army (Women working for men) o Some women served in the Red Army and communist militias (Special company of the second independent division of the Red army) However, they also catered the needs for the red army such as in clothes, nursing the wounded, and transporting the supplies There was a whole unit of women in the army, fighting in the same conditions. However, it was difficult since they were still expected to fit their domestic duties. - After the CCP victory, new laws enriched greater legal rights for women o MARRIAGE LAW: MAY 1, 1950: GRANTED GREATER RIGHTS Abolished arranged marriages Granted husband and wife the right to seek divorce on equal terms Guaranteed equality in the management and inheritance of family property Husband could not file for divorce if wife was pregnant or before one year of the child’s birth. Child marriage was abolished and coinage IN RURAL CHINA, WOMEN WERE EXPECTED TO WORK THE SAME AS MEN, SO NURSERIES WERE CREATED TO TAKE CARE OF CHILDREN. EVENTUALLY, A LOT OF WOMEN WERE FILING DIVORCE TO CCP STARTED REFUSING PERMISSIONS. 5. Economic The civil war had a devastating impact on China’s economy, industrial production was further weakened despite being small already in China: - Destruction caused to urban centers by civil conflict on the Second Sino-Japanese War. - Society removal of much of Manchuria best industrial infrastructure in 1945-1946 Years of conflict also destroyed significant areas of agriculture land, not least because many of the male peasantry needed to work the land were conscripted into armies of both sides. - The CCP areas disruption was due to legislation there is going to be a distribution of land, when given to peasants, they have to start cultivating, and that takes time. Both industry and agriculture were affected The communists introduced many economic and social reforms, although the implementation of communist principles was largely delayed until after they had consolidated the power Months after their victory, CCP focused on smaller scale social and economic reform to ending inflation and the thriving black market.
