The Triumph of Communism in China 1945-50: Nationalists and Communists in China 1927-45

Question 1

When did the Chinese Civil War occur?

Answer 1

• 1927-1945

Question 2

Who was involved in the Chinese Civil War?

Answer 2

• Fought between the Nationalists (GMD), led by Jiang Jieshi and the Communists (CCP), led by Mao Zedong

Question 3

When did the Chinese Civil War come to a pause?

Answer 3

• In 1937, when Japan invaded China

- CCP and GMD formed an ‘alliance’ which lasted until Japan’s defeat in August 1945

Question 4

How popular were the GMD?

Answer 4

• Fairly unpopular
• Corrupt leadership of its areas
• Jiang Jieshi more obsessed with fighting Communists than Japanese
• Pillaged villages due to low supplies

Question 5

How popular were the CCP?

Answer 5

• Very popular
• Created bases of support, especially in northern countryside areas
• Had ideas that appealed to peasants and treated them well
• Patriotic, largely involved in defeating Japanese

Question 6

How strong were the CCP by Japan’s defeat?

Answer 6

• Army of nearly a million people
• 900,000 militia men
• Party membership over a million

Question 7

What two strategies did Mao have nearing the end of 1944?

Answer 7

• CCP troops could establish areas south of Yangtze River to confront GMD after war
• Challenge Jiang’s claim by replacing one-party dictatorship with coalition gov. including CCP
• CCP would try control key ministries

Question 8

When did the Chongqing negotiations occur?

Answer 8

• August-October 1945

Question 9

What happened during the Chongqing negotiations?

Answer 9

• Mao and Jiang discussed forming a coalition gov. under pressure from US and USSR
• Main disagreements over whether the CCP should keep its independent army
• Mao was willing to reduce number of troops, but couldn’t accept all troops being put under the command of the gov.
• Two sides failed to agree on a constitution for a democratic China
• Fights continued