long march Flashcards
Why did the Long March begin?
Jiang initiated 5th encirclement campaign with German advisor Hans von Seekt-> used strategy of slowly tightening with small forts and scorched earth
Over 1 million men + 200 aircraft involved
Red army under Braun used positonal warfare but failed to stop Nat. forces
What was the initial size of the Long March and what were its tactics and intentions?
80,000 soldiers + 20,000 CCP staff left
intention = move to Hunan, only knew by leaders of party
tactics: carry everyting e.g. printing press, library books, march 4 hour on 4 hour off
How did the Battle of Xiang river impact on the nature of the march?
pitched battle that almost lead to end of march-> only 30,000 left to continue the march
Anger spread throughout red army -> Mao argued toss aside heavy luggage to increase speed + change direction south-east into Guizhou
b/c too much equipment = too slow + Following Braun’s “head on, straught on” made path too predicatable
Why was the Zunyi Conference a critical turning point in the Long March?
Mao = given the role of chief advisor to Zhou Enlai + promote to Politburo standing committee -> Mao, Wang, Zhou take control of the march
Mao did this by crtiticising leaders esp. Bo Gu and Braun for their handling of 5th encirclement campaign + backed by Lou Fu, Wang jiaxiang, Zhou Enlai, Zhu de
What changes in leadership and strategies emerged after Zunyi?
28 Bolsheviks + Braun = sidelined-> Mao, Zhou + Wang (central triad of leadership)
Mao abandoned traditional strategies used by Braun to revert back to Guerilla tactics-> victory at Loushan pass
when pass thru villages, Com held large meetings to explain nature of “people’s army” -> propaganda initiative
What is the significance of the Battle of Luding Bridge?
crossing of the treacherous river over a broken bridge = paint CCP in a heroic way -> ‘propaganda legend’
What difficulties were faced by the Long Marchers as they crossed the Great Snowy Mountains and the High Grasslands?
snowy mountains:
- slip down deep, icy cliffs + death from exposure
- underequipped -> cotton clothing + straw sandals
- 10,000 made into Sichuan but rivalry formed with Zhang guotao’s 4th front army
High grasslands:
- deep pits swallowed horse whole
- severe food shortages
- diseases e.g. dysentery and diarrhea
- no where to rest
What is the significance of the Long March to the development of the CCP?
psychologically:
- gave coms strong sense of purpose + organizationally brought Mao to the forefront of leadership (man of destiny)
- long march spirit-> perseverance + correct attitude in conquering great difficulties
- foundational narrative of the People’s republic of China
strategically:
- defeat: lost 4/5 of number, driven out of the southern base to Yan’an
- CCP appeared to be broken
