9.1 Formation of the First United Front
3 min read•july 11, 2024
The , formed in 1923, brought together the Kuomintang and Chinese Communist Party to combat warlordism and unify China. This alliance, supported by Soviet advisors, reshaped China's political landscape and strengthened the nationalist movement.
The United Front's impact was significant but short-lived. While it helped defeat warlords and expand communist influence, tensions between the KMT and CCP led to its collapse in 1927. This breakdown set the stage for decades of conflict between the two parties.
The Formation and Impact of the First United Front
Formation of First United Front
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- and formed an alliance in 1923 known as the First United Front with the shared goal of ending warlordism and unifying China
- KMT, led by , needed support to defeat the warlords and establish a republican government based on his Three Principles of the People (, democracy, and people's livelihood) aimed at modernizing and unifying China
- CCP, founded in 1921, was still a relatively small and weak party that saw an alliance with the KMT as an opportunity to expand its influence and pursue its revolutionary goals
- , under Lenin's leadership, encouraged cooperation between the KMT and CCP believing a united front could further the cause of revolution in China and weaken (Britain, France, Japan)
Soviet advisors in KMT-CCP alliance
- Soviet advisors, such as , a agent who served as a political advisor to Sun Yat-sen and the KMT, played a crucial role in the formation of the First United Front by helping reorganize the KMT along Leninist lines, emphasizing and
- Soviets provided military aid and training to the KMT, helping establish the in 1924 which trained KMT and CCP officers like who later became the leader of the KMT and served as the academy's commandant
- Soviets encouraged CCP members to join the KMT as individuals, forming a "" to influence the party from within as a strategy to strengthen the CCP's position and promote cooperation between the two parties
- Soviet support and advice helped legitimize the CCP and bolster its position in the alliance with the KMT
Impact of First United Front
- First United Front significantly altered the balance of power in China during the 1920s by strengthening the Nationalist movement and weakening the warlords
- KMT-CCP forces launched the (1926-1928) to defeat the warlords and unify China
- Expedition successfully brought much of central and northern China under KMT control
- First United Front allowed the CCP to expand its influence and membership
- CCP membership grew from around 300 in 1922 to over 30,000 by 1927
- CCP's increased presence within the KMT and its mass organizations helped spread communist ideas
- Tensions within the First United Front eventually led to its collapse
- KMT's right wing, led by Chiang Kai-shek, grew increasingly wary of the CCP's growing influence
- In April 1927, Chiang purged communists from the KMT and launched a campaign of repression against the CCP
- Breakdown of the First United Front marked the beginning of the long-standing conflict between the KMT and CCP that would shape the balance of power in China for the next two decades, culminating in the (1945-1949) and the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949
Key Terms to Review (23)
Anti-imperialism: Anti-imperialism is a political stance opposing imperialism and the domination of one country over another, advocating for the rights and self-determination of oppressed nations. This ideology emerged as a response to the exploitative practices of colonial powers, particularly in the context of resistance movements and national identity formation. In modern history, it played a crucial role in shaping political discourse, influencing events that led to the unification of groups against foreign domination.
Bloc within: A bloc within refers to a coalition or alliance formed by various groups that unite for a common purpose, often found within larger political movements or organizations. This term is especially relevant in contexts where diverse factions collaborate to achieve shared goals, demonstrating both unity and the complexities of internal dynamics among different interests.
Chiang Kai-shek: Chiang Kai-shek was a Chinese political and military leader who played a significant role in the history of modern China, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. He was the leader of the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and served as the head of the Nationalist government during pivotal events, including the formation of alliances against warlords and Japanese aggression.
Chinese Civil War: The Chinese Civil War was a conflict that lasted from 1927 to 1949 between the Nationalists, led by the Kuomintang (KMT), and the Communists, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This war fundamentally reshaped China's political landscape, culminating in the establishment of the People's Republic of China and marking a significant turning point in modern Chinese history.
Chinese Communist Party (CCP): The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China, established in 1921. It played a pivotal role in the social and political landscape of China, especially through its early alliances and confrontations with other political entities, such as the Nationalist Party during key historical moments. The CCP's policies and strategies have been crucial in shaping modern Chinese society and governance.
Comintern: The Comintern, or Communist International, was an international organization founded in 1919 to promote worldwide communism and facilitate cooperation among communist parties. It aimed to encourage revolutions in various countries and foster a global movement towards a communist society, significantly influencing the formation of alliances and political strategies within countries like China during the early 20th century.
First United Front: The First United Front was a collaboration formed in 1924 between the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang or KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aimed at unifying China and defeating warlord factions. This alliance was significant as it marked a temporary cessation of hostilities between these two parties, focusing their efforts on common goals, particularly the Northern Expedition to eliminate warlords and establish a centralized government.
Guerrilla warfare: Guerrilla warfare is a form of irregular combat in which small groups of armed forces use unconventional tactics, such as ambushes, sabotage, and hit-and-run strategies, to fight larger, more traditional military forces. This method relies on the element of surprise and often aims to disrupt enemy operations while gaining support from the local population.
Japanese Invasion: The Japanese Invasion refers to Japan's military actions against China during the 1930s, particularly the Second Sino-Japanese War that began in 1937. This conflict saw Japan seeking to expand its empire and assert dominance over East Asia, leading to significant political, social, and economic turmoil in China. The invasion prompted various Chinese factions, including the Nationalists and Communists, to reassess their priorities and ultimately contributed to the formation of a united front against Japanese aggression.
KMT-CCP Alliance Agreement: The KMT-CCP Alliance Agreement was a political alliance formed in the early 1920s between the Kuomintang (KMT), led by Sun Yat-sen, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This agreement aimed to unite both parties against warlordism and foreign imperialism in China, marking a crucial step in the collaboration between these two historically opposing forces to achieve national unity and promote modernization.
Kuomintang (KMT): The Kuomintang, or KMT, is a Chinese nationalist political party founded in 1912 that played a significant role in the early 20th century, advocating for the modernization and unification of China. The KMT sought to establish a republic and was initially led by Sun Yat-sen, promoting ideas of nationalism, democracy, and people's livelihood. It became a major player during the formation of the First United Front with the Chinese Communist Party, and later established the Nationalist government during the Nanjing Decade.
Leninism: Leninism is a political theory developed by Vladimir Lenin that adapts Marxist ideology to the conditions of Russia, emphasizing the role of a vanguard party to lead the proletariat in revolution. This theory highlights the importance of a disciplined and centralized party structure, revolutionary consciousness, and the need for a dictatorship of the proletariat to establish socialism in a predominantly agrarian society.
Mass mobilization: Mass mobilization refers to the process of engaging a large segment of the population in a collective effort to achieve specific political, social, or economic goals. This concept often involves organizing and coordinating vast resources and human participation, enabling movements or governments to harness public support for various initiatives. In the context of modern China, mass mobilization has been crucial in shaping revolutionary movements, implementing government reforms, and pursuing ambitious socio-economic transformations.
Mikhail Borodin: Mikhail Borodin was a Russian revolutionary and political figure who played a significant role in the formation of the First United Front between the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during the early 1920s. His influence was crucial in fostering cooperation between these two factions to combat warlordism and foreign imperialism in China, setting the stage for significant political developments in the country.
Nationalism: Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often in opposition to foreign influence. In the context of modern China, nationalism played a crucial role in shaping responses to foreign imperialism, domestic reforms, and revolutionary movements, driving the quest for sovereignty and identity among the Chinese people.
Northern Expedition: The Northern Expedition was a military campaign launched by the Nationalist government of China from 1926 to 1928, aimed at unifying the country under the Kuomintang (KMT) and defeating regional warlords. This campaign not only sought to eliminate warlord rule but also represented a significant step in the consolidation of power for the Nationalist party, ultimately leading to the establishment of a centralized government.
Party discipline: Party discipline refers to the expectation that members of a political party will align their voting and actions with the party's leadership and policies. This concept is crucial in maintaining unity and coherence within a political organization, particularly during times of alliance or collaboration, such as in the formation of coalitions or fronts.
Rise of Chinese Communism: The rise of Chinese communism refers to the emergence and establishment of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as a dominant political force in the early 20th century, culminating in the Chinese Civil War and the eventual victory over the Nationalists in 1949. This period was characterized by a growing discontent with traditional governance and an increasing appeal of Marxist ideologies among the peasant population, especially after World War I.
Soviet Union: The Soviet Union was a socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, encompassing Russia and several other republics. It played a crucial role in global politics and was a key ally of the Chinese Communist Party during significant events in China’s history, including the struggle against imperialism and the establishment of a communist government.
Sun Yat-sen: Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese revolutionary and political leader, known as the 'Father of Modern China' for his pivotal role in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and establishing the Republic of China. His ideas and political philosophy laid the groundwork for the Nationalist movement and shaped China's transition from imperial rule to a republic.
Warlord era: The warlord era refers to a period in China from 1916 to 1928 characterized by political fragmentation and the control of regional military leaders, or warlords, who wielded power independently of the central government. This chaotic time followed the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the end of the centralized authority that had existed, leading to a struggle for control among various factions and significant social and economic disruption throughout China.
Western Imperialism: Western imperialism refers to the policy and practice of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or establishing economic and political dominance over other nations, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This phenomenon significantly impacted countries like China, leading to conflicts, unequal treaties, and a reshaping of social, economic, and political structures.
Whampoa Military Academy: The Whampoa Military Academy was a prestigious military training institution established in 1924 in Guangdong, China, aimed at producing modern military leaders for the Nationalist government. It became a key center for military education and played a crucial role in shaping the future leaders of the National Revolutionary Army, especially during the time of the First United Front, which sought to unify China against warlordism and foreign imperialism.