China and Japan: 1912-1945 Summary

Chapter Overview

• Focus on China and Japan from 1912 to 1945, a period characterized by tremendous political upheaval, social change, and the manifestation of nationalist sentiments.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the growth of Chinese nationalism during the critical years from 1912 to 1945, including its roots and its evolution.

• Examine the rise of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) between 1912 and 1927, highlighting key events and ideologies.

• Analyze the intense rivalry between the KMT and CCP from 1927 to 1945, exploring battles, conflicts, and shifting alliances.

• Assess the implications of Japan’s failures in establishing a stable democracy, contrasting it with the political developments in China.

Context of Chinese Nationalism

• Imperialism significantly weakened China throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, eroding traditional governmental control and fostering widespread discontent among various social and ethnic groups.

• The emergence of regional warlords following the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 fragmented power, causing chaos as local leaders seized control.

• Sun Yat-sen’s advocacy for republican reform and a unified national identity was pivotal in igniting nationalist feelings, leading to a relentless struggle for modernization and independence from foreign influence.

Rise of Political Groups

Kuomintang (KMT)

• Founded by Sun Yat-sen in 1912, the KMT was heavily influenced by nationalist and modernizing ideologies, seeking to unite a fractured China under a strong central government.

• Three Principles of the People:

  1. Nationalism - Aimed to end foreign dominance and unify the Chinese people.

  2. Democracy - Proposed establishing a democratic system to replace warlord rule and promote governance by the people.

  3. Social Reform - Focused on improving the living conditions of the impoverished peasant class, emphasizing land reform and social justice.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

• Established in 1921, the CCP initially attracted intellectuals, workers, and students influenced by Marxist ideology, striving for a revolutionary struggle against feudalism and imperialism.

• Formed the First United Front with the KMT in 1923, temporarily setting aside differences to combat warlordism and foreign influence.

• Rivalry intensified post-KMT’s Purification Movement in 1927, which sought to eliminate Communist influence within its ranks and resulted in violent confrontations that left deep scars in the political landscape.

Warlord Era (1916-1928)

• The power struggle among regional warlords led to widespread social chaos, violence, and hardship, particularly affecting rural populations who suffered under extortion and military drafts.

• This chaotic environment contributed to a significant increase in the size of warlord armies, exacerbating the fragmentation of national unity.

• Despite this turmoil, Sun Yat-sen and the KMT made several attempts at unification through a series of military campaigns, although success was often limited due to internal divisions.

May Fourth Movement (1919)

• The May Fourth Movement was a nationalist and anti-imperialistic reaction to the decision at the Paris Peace Conference, where Shantung Province was awarded to Japan, fueling widespread anger among the Chinese populace.

• This event sparked massive protests advocating for national sovereignty, intellectual awakening, and reform, marking a turning point toward modern political expression in China.

• The movement also encouraged the adoption of modernization and reform ideologies, which resonated with both the KMT and CCP, leading to diverging paths.

Northern Expedition (1926-1928)

• The KMT launched a military campaign known as the Northern Expedition aimed at unifying China by defeating warlord factions and establishing central authority in Nanjing.

• While the campaign achieved significant early successes, the ongoing internal divisions within the KMT, coupled with a lack of widespread popular support, hampered prolonged unification efforts and sowed seeds for future conflicts with the CCP.

Impact of Japanese Aggression (1931-1945)

• The invasion of Manchuria in 1931 was a significant event that marked Japan's aggressive expansionist policies, leading to the establishment of the puppet state Manchukuo.

• The outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 dramatically exposed the KMT’s military weaknesses, revealing internal corruption and inability to mount an effective defense against foreign aggression.

• The CCP adeptly presented itself as defenders of Chinese sovereignty against Japanese forces, thus enhancing its support base among the populace and strengthening its position in the political arena.

Failure of KMT and Growth of CCP Support

• The KMT’s failure to implement meaningful reforms and address widespread societal issues led to growing disillusionment among the populace, reducing its base of support.

• Rampant corruption and the lack of effective governance under KMT leadership compounded dissatisfaction, leaving a vacuum for alternative political movements.

• The CCP utilized wartime propaganda adeptly during the conflict, promoting narratives of resistance and unity, solidifying its image as a legitimate alternative to the KMT's rule.

Conclusion

• The political landscape of China was irrevocably altered during this period, shaped by the rise of communism, the impact of militaristic policies in Japan, and the failure of traditional governance structures, laying the groundwork for future conflicts and the eventual establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.