From War to Civil War 1945-46 Flashcards
Why was Manchuria an important province?
Bordering the USSR, Manchuria was rich in coal and mineral deposits, and was one of China’s most industrial areas. It also had lots of fertile land, with thick forests and was very mountainous.
By August 1945, what territories did Japan hold?
Northern China, most of central China, much of the coastline and many of the cities. However, they were waiting to surrender.
By August 1945, what territories did the GMD hold?
A larger area of southern and western China from their base in Chongqing.
By August 1945, what territories did the CCP hold?
Much of the northern and north-eastern countryside from their base in Yan’an.
What advantage did the GMD hold over the CCP at the time of Japanese surrender?
The GMD were recognised as the legitimate government of China, and therefore had the right to take the surrender of Japanese forces, who they used in fighting against the CCP.
How did the USA help the GMD in taking territory in the Civil War?
US aircrafts transported 500,000 GMD troops to northern China to fight the communists.
How did the CCP respond to the GMD taking more territory?
They began moving into Manchuria.
Which foreign powers wanted to avoid a civil war and how did they attempt to do so?
Both the USA and the USSR. The USA pressured Jiang and the USSR pressured Mao to hold peace talks in October 1945 in Chongqing.
What did the CCP and the GMD agree in principle to (October 1945) (4 factors)?
1) A democratic political system with free elections and personal freedoms.
2) The release of political prisoners.
3) A unified military force.
4) Elections for a national assembly.
Why did the October 1945 agreement fail?
Mao was not prepared to relinquish control of CCP controlled areas, and Jiang wanted control. Neither could agree on who would control the unified military force. Jiang then invaded Manchuria to fight the CCP.
What was Stalin’s policy towards China after 1945 and why?
Stalin had no faith in the CCP in defeating the GMD, and did not want involvement in a civil war whilst expanding in eastern Europe. However, as long as the CCP-GMD conflict continued, China would remain weak to foreign intervention, which was to the advantage of the USSR.
How did Stalin help the GMD in Manchuria?
Stalin ordered the CCP to hand the GMD all Manchurian cities.
How did Stalin help the CCP in Manchuria (2 factors)?
1) Stalin ordered that the huge stockpiles of weapons and ammunition taken from the Japanese by the Red Army in Manchuria be handed over to the CCP.
2) He delayed the Soviet withdrawal from Manchuria to April 1946, giving the CCP time to establish a strong presence in the countryside.
Who was General George Marshall?
The US Chief of Staff in WW2, and later became Secretary of State under President Truman after the Marshall Mission.
What was the Marshall Mission?
In December 1945, President Truman sent George Marshall to China to mediate, and in January 1946, Marshall had a ceasefire and pressured Jiang into calling a political conference. At this conference, all of China’s main political parties agreed upon a constitution.
