China 1911-1934L/O – To examine how the CCP and Kuomintang

developed during the years 1911-1934

The Decline of the Qing Dynasty• In medieval times China had been an

advanced civilisation. In the 1800s, however, it was much weaker than the growing empires of western Europe.

• European traders moved in to exploit its pottery, silk and gems. There was an emperor of China but he did not really control the country.

• By 1900, China was dominated by foreign powers, particularly Japan, Britain and the USA.

The Decline of the Qing Dynasty• In 1911 the last emperor of

China, Puyi, who was only 6 years old, was overthrown in a revolution.

• China collapsed into chaos as warlords divided the country up into local mini-kingdoms of their own. They recruited armies of local peasants to control their own areas.

The Kuomintang (KMT)• This was the People’s National

Party and was formed to unite China.

• It was set up by Sun Yat-sen and was based on his 3 principles.

• He was determined to rid China of foreign influence and to remove the power of the warlords.

The 3 Principles of the Kuomintang

1.) Nationalism: to rid China of foreign influence and

exploitation

2.) Democracy: to create a more modern system of

government acceptable to the people of China

3.) Social Advance: to bring about reforms in industry and everyday life and particularly

to improve the position of Chinese peasants

The KMT allies with the Communists

• To start with the KMT had little success. Sun Yat-sen was impressed with what the Communists had achieved in Russia.

• In 1923 he turned to Russia who supplied arms, money and supplies but in return, he had to ally with the newly formed Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Sun Yat-sen Dies…• In 1925 Sun Yat-sen died of

cancer. Chiang Kai-Shek, who was the leader of the KMT army, became leader.

• Chiang K-S was alarmed at the growing power of the CCP. Most KMT officers were landlords or came from the business classes. They were afraid of the Communists.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)• Formed in 1921 in Shanghai by

Mao Zedong & 12 others.

• Mao had studied Karl Marx & believed all property should be shared.

• The CCP worked hard to help workers form unions.

• From 1924-1927 they helped the KMT fight the warlords. The influence of the CCP soon grew.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

• The influence of Soviet Russia led the CCP to concentrate on peasants and workers. The KMT ignored these groups.

• CCP offered land reform to poor peasants. 95% of the Chinese were peasants. 10 million members by 1927.

The Northern Expedition 1926-1928• Chiang finally removed the

warlords with the help of the CCP in 1928.

• Peasants & workers welcomed Chiang’s armies & there was little resistance from the warlords.

• China was now reunified and Chiang’s government was recognised by foreign powers.

The Shanghai Massacres - 1927• Chiang feared the growing

influence of the CCP, especially in Shanghai.

• In 1927 he turned on them & the KMT sent an army to Shanghai. The workers of Shanghai rebelled against the warlord in the area.

• When Chiang’s army arrived, it executed all the Communists it could find.

Reorganising the CCP – 1927-1934• Many Communist like Mao

escaped to the province of Kiangsi where Mao setup the Kiangsi Soviet and Red Army which had 11,000 members by 1930.

• Support grew for the CCP as land was redistributed to peasants.

• The Red Army trained in Guerrilla Warfare and was told to respect peasants.

The Eight Rules of the Red Army

1. Speak politely2. Pay fairly for what you buy3. Return anything you

borrow4. Pay for everything you

damage5. Don’t hit or swear at

people6. Don’t damage crops7. Don’t take liberties with

women8. Don’t ill-treat prisoners

The Extermination Campaigns• Chiang was determined to

crush the Kiangsi Soviet. Between 1930-1934 he launched 5 massive extermination campaigns.

• The first 4 were failures due to the guerrilla tactics used by Mao’s forces. However over a million civilians were killed. Mao was criticised.

Mao on the tactics of the Red Army, 1930

When the enemy advances, we retreat.

When the enemy halts, we harass.

When the army retires, we attack.

When the enemy retreats, we pursue.

Homework• Read pages 2-5 of ‘The Impact of

Chairman Mao: China, 1946-1976’.

• In your books, briefly explain the roles of the following in the events

of 1911-1934:

• Confuscius, The Qing Dynasty, Yuan Shikai, Warlords, Sun Yat-sen, Chen

Duxiu, Chiang Kai-shek, Mao Zedong