Notes on World War II and the Rise of Communism in China

World War II led to the defeat of Nationalist forces by Chinese Communists, resulting in the emergence of two Chinas.

China remains a Communist country and a major global power.

Key Terms and People

• Mao Zedong

• Jiang Jieshi

• Taiwan

• Commune

• Red Guards

• Cultural Revolution

Communists Take Power in China

Setting the Stage

China fought with the Allies in World War II but suffered greatly:

• Japan occupied and devastated cities.

• Civilian death toll estimated between $10$ and $22$ million.

• Casualties were second only to the Soviet Union.

• Conflict continued post-Japan's defeat.

Communists vs. Nationalists

A civil war raged between Nationalists and Communists before and after World War II. They temporarily united to fight the Japanese but competed for power.

• Mao Zedong led the Communists with a stronghold in northwestern China, mobilizing peasants for guerrilla warfare and gaining loyalty through literacy and food production improvements.

• By 1945, Communists controlled much of northern China.

• Jiang Jieshi led the Nationalists with granaries in southwestern China, supported by the U.S., which sent $1.5$ billion in aid between 1942-1945. Nationalists avoided battles with Japanese to conserve strength for fighting the Communists.

Civil War Resumes (1946-1949)

Initially, the Nationalists had a $3:1$ size advantage and received $2$ billion in U.S. military aid but lacked popular support due to the collapsing economy. Thousands of Nationalist soldiers deserted.

• By spring 1949, major cities fell to Red forces.

• Mao's promise to return land to peasants garnered support.

• Jiang's defeated army retreated to Taiwan.

• In October 1949, Mao proclaimed the People's Republic of China, increasing anti-Communist sentiments in the U.S.

The Two Chinas Affect the Cold War

China split into two nations:

• Taiwan (Nationalist China): $13,000 square miles.

• Mainland (People's Republic of China): more than $3.5 million square miles.
  Their conflicting loyalties intensified the Cold War.

The Superpowers React

The U.S. helped Jiang set up a Nationalist government in Taiwan, while the Soviets assisted Communist China, pledging mutual defense, with the U.S. attempting to curb Soviet expansion in Asia.

China Expands Under the Communists

Chinese troops expanded into Tibet and India, controlling Tibet by 1951 despite initially promising autonomy. The Dalai Lama fled to India after a failed revolt in 1959, causing resentment and leading to a border clash in 1962.

Mao Zedong Biography (1893-1976)

Mao, born into a peasant family, embraced Marxist socialism, anticipating the peasantry's role in uprooting imperialism. His first revolt attempt in 1927 failed. During Japanese occupation, he gained peasant support by promising land.

The Communists Transform China

The Communists aimed to strengthen their rule and restore China as a powerful nation after decades of war and turmoil.

Communists Consolidate Power

The Communist Party had $4.5$ million members but was highly disciplined. They established parallel organizations similar to the Soviet Union, with Mao at the helm until 1959.

Mao's Brand of Marxist Socialism

Mao sought to reshape China's economy; 80 ext{ ext{%}} of the population lived in rural areas, with 10 ext{ ext{%}} controlling 70 ext{ ext{%}} of farmland. The Agrarian Reform Law of 1950 confiscated landlords' holdings.

Changes in Industry and Business

Private companies were nationalized. In 1953, Mao's five-year plan led to increased output of vital resources.

"The Great Leap Forward"

Launched in 1958 to capitalize on initial Five-Year Plan successes, it created approx. 26,000 communes. The lack of motivation among peasants led to failure, ending after crop failures and a famine causing around $20$ million deaths.

Soviet Competition and Global Politics

China faced numerous issues late 1950s, with Sino-Soviet cooperation waning over territorial disputes as both vied for Communist leadership globally. Mao's revolution inspired international movements during this period.

The Cultural Revolution

Post-Great Leap Forward, Mao perceived relaxation of policies as a threat to social equality. In 1966, he urged students to revolutionize society, resulting in the formation of the Red Guards, who caused chaos until they were eventually suppressed.