OPPapers.com

Rise Of Communism In China

Rise of Communism in China

Introduction

The main reason why the Communists came to power in China was because of the failing policies and actions used by Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalists) of which the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) took advantage. However in addition to that, there were also significant factors such as the poor conditions during the beginning of the twentieth century in the Republic of China and the Japanese War (1937 – 1945), that led to the insufficiency and weakness of the GMD (Chinese Democratic Party) during the Civil War. Their leader, Chiang Kai-Shek, lost the support of the majority, mainly peasants and intellectuals, to the CCP, which contributed to their success in war. In addition to GMD's actions, Mao Zedong, the communist leader was able to take over and declare the Peoples Republic of China.

Early twentieth century

Failing of Qing Dynasty

The unhappiness in China laid in its problems, which arose during the early twentieth century. Until the early twentieth century, China's rule was based on dynasties, which followed Confucian theories. The Chinese thought of their nation as the center of the world, disclaiming any interest in the west. Already during the nineteenth century, China had been weakened through foreign trade, war and influence. As the situation started to go worse, the people wanted to alter the situation and showed resistance to the foreigners in the Boxer's Rebellion. This Rebellion and its aftermath prompted some reforms in China, however, it was too little, too late. The Qing dynasty was seen to be failing the people of China. In 1908, the Dowager Empress, CiXi, died and her three year-old grand nephew, PuYi, was proclaimed emperor. The discontent even grew further, and several groups, such as the Tongmengui organized to overthrow the Qing.

The Republic of China

Sun Yatsen (a member of Tongmenghui) was announced the provincial president of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912....