Causes Of The Chinese Civil War

Imperialism & Unequal Treaties (Long-Term Cause)

Foreign powers like Britain and Japan imposed unequal treaties that gave them control over trade and legal rights in China. These weakened Chinese sovereignty and caused national resentment.

Fall of the Qing Dynasty (Long-Term Cause)

The 1911 revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty, ending imperial rule. It created a power vacuum and led to years of instability and competing factions.

Warlord Era (1916–1928) (Long-Term Cause)

After Yuan Shikai's death, China was divided among military warlords who ruled their regions independently, collecting taxes and maintaining private armies. This prevented national unity.

May Fourth Movement (1919) (Long-Term Cause)

Student-led protests sparked by the Treaty of Versailles’ decision to give Chinese land to Japan. It promoted anti-imperialism, nationalism, and support for ideological alternatives like communism.

First United Front & Northern Expedition (Short-Term Cause)

In 1924, the GMD and CCP temporarily allied to defeat warlords and unify China. Their joint military campaign (Northern Expedition) succeeded by 1927, boosting both parties.

White Terror & GMD-CCP Split (Short-Term Cause)

In April 1927, Chiang Kaishek purged thousands of Communists in Shanghai. This ended the GMD–CCP alliance and marked the start of open civil war.

Ideological Differences (Short-Term Cause)

The GMD followed nationalist, semi-capitalist ideals. The CCP followed Marxist-Leninist ideas emphasizing class struggle and revolution. These opposing visions for China made conflict inevitable.

Japanese Invasion (1937–45) (Short-Term Cause)

Though the GMD and CCP formed the Second United Front to fight Japan, the GMD’s failures in resistance and corruption boosted CCP popularity. After Japan’s defeat, the civil war resumed.

Foreign Involvement Post-WWII (Short-Term Cause)

The USA supported the GMD with aid and weapons; the USSR allowed CCP access to Manchurian territory and Japanese weapons. Foreign backing escalated the conflict.

Failure of Mediation (Short-Term Cause)

Attempts to negotiate peace, like the Marshall Mission led by the US, failed due to mutual distrust and unwillingness to share power. Both sides preferred total victory.