The triumph of Communism in China

What was China's background?

- Until the 1840s, China had been an Isolationist and closed society- Britain and France had used their superior military technology and economic strength to open the country up to outside influences and exploitation.

In 1911- China was declared a republic and sought to both unify and modernise the country while kicking out the foreign powers.

What were the two revolutionary parties?

The GMD-the Guomindang (led by Jieshi) and the Communists- the CCP, led by Zedong.

Who was the founding father of Chinese nationalism?

Sun Yat-Sen was the product of the two parties and its legacy.

When was the 1st Chinese Civil War

It was from August 1927 to late 1937- the 'Ten Years' War'.

When was the 2nd Chinese Civil War?

It was from July 1946 to December 1949.

How was China after WW2?

The Truman administration wanted to create a bulwark against Soviet expansion- they backed Jiang with considerable amounts of cash and military supplies.

Stalin wished to maintain good relations with the western powers, and so forbade the CCP from seizing power.

The USA and the USSR sought to end the second Chinese Civil War by holding negotiations that would make the creation of a GMD-CCP coalition possible.

What did the USSR and the USA want for China post-WW2?

Both the Soviets and the Americans wanted Zedong and Jieshi to co-operate. But, they wanted Jieshi in charge. After 1945, Jieshi attempted to re-establish his authority in the provinces the Japanese had occupied.

What was Stalin seeking?

At the Yalta Confernece Stalin had agreed to Roosevelt's request to enter the war against Japan by invading Manchuria (it had coal and iron ore).

Stalin and Jieshi had signed the Treaty of Friendship Alliance in August 1945.

Stalin's support of Jiang would enhance Soviet security by allowing an extension of the USSR's influence.

Stalin looted Manchuria, he did not support Mao because one of Mao's main goals was to limit foreign interference in China.

He sensed the risk of the nationalist Chinese communist government.

What was the international significance of Mao's victory?

There was a Chinese stamp celebrating the signing of the Sino-Soviet treaty of friendship and Alliance of February 1950.

There was the breakdown of alliance in February 1956 with Khrushchev and in October 1962 with the Cuban Missile crisis.

In March 1969, Zedong wanted to reclaim Zhenbao Island after Alexander III had stolen it from the Chinese- the Chinese army went over soviet territory to reclaim it and they were crushed by the Soviets.

What was Truman's role in China?

After WW2, Truman wanted stability in China. Truman gave $2.8 billion to Jiang Jieshi from 1946 to 1950 for the Chinese Civil War. Since 1899 the US had practiced the Open Door Policy in regard to China- China was viewed by US businesses as a valuable source of raw materials, foodstuffs and cheap labour.

There was a very intense reaction to Mao's victory, with a large country under Communism, the forces of Capitalism and freedom seemed to many Americans to be under threat.

How much did Stalin provide to the communists?

From 1945-46 Stalin gave some help to the CCP during the Chinese Civil War.

The CCP was helped by the Soviet handover of between 700,000 and 900,000 rifles, 14,000 heavy and light machine guns, artillery, mortars, anti-aircraft, weapons, boats and 700 vehicles and tanks from Japanese forces.

Stalin, also, gave Manchuria to Chinese communists in late 1945 and early 1946.