Key Concepts of the Chinese Civil War

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the Chinese Civil War.

Chinese Civil War

A conflict (1927-1949) between the Nationalists (GMD) and the Communists (CCP) aiming for control over China's government.

Guerrilla Warfare

A form of irregular warfare where small groups use hit-and-run tactics against larger traditional armies.

First United Front

An alliance formed in 1922 between the GMD and CCP to fight against warlords and imperialist powers.

Long March

A strategic retreat by the CCP from 1934-1935 to evade the GMD, solidifying Mao's leadership and ideology.

Mao Zedong

Leader of the CCP, he emphasized peasant support and guerrilla tactics, ultimately declaring the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek)

Leader of the GMD, he favored traditional military tactics and faced criticism for corruption and poor governance.

Sino-Japanese War

A conflict that lasted from 1937-1945, affecting the Chinese Civil War by demonstrating the weaknesses of the GMD.

Three Principles of the People

Sun Yat-sen's political philosophy emphasized nationalism, democracy, and the people's livelihood, guiding the GMD.

Second United Front

Temporary alliance between the GMD and CCP during the Sino-Japanese War to resist Japanese invasion.

White Terror

A series of violent purges by Jiang Jieshi against suspected Communists in the years following the First United Front.

People's Liberation Army (PLA)

The armed forces of the CCP, which shifted from guerrilla tactics to conventional warfare during the second phase of the Civil War.

Rectification Campaign

A campaign to enforce strict ideological conformity within the CCP, consolidating Mao's power.

The Rape of Nanjing

A horrific series of war crimes committed by Japanese troops in Nanjing in 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

May Fourth Movement

A 1919 cultural and political movement that emerged in response to imperialism and called for modernization and reform in China.