Long March

Definition

The Long March refers to a strategic retreat undertaken by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from 1934 to 1936, where approximately 100,000 troops traveled over 6,000 miles to evade the Nationalist forces led by the Kuomintang. This monumental journey not only solidified the leadership of Mao Zedong within the CCP but also transformed the party into a symbol of resilience and determination, ultimately laying the groundwork for the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Long March began in October 1934 when the Red Army, facing defeat, decided to retreat from their base in Jiangxi province to escape Nationalist forces.
2. Only about 8,000 of the original 100,000 marchers completed the Long March, highlighting its extreme difficulties and dangers.
3. During the Long March, the Red Army traversed various terrains including mountains, rivers, and deserts, while engaging in battles and facing harsh weather conditions.
4. The event is considered a pivotal moment for the CCP, as it allowed Mao Zedong to emerge as a key leader and cemented his ideology within the party.
5. The Long March is commemorated in Chinese history as a symbol of sacrifice and perseverance, influencing the narrative of communist struggle leading up to the establishment of the PRC in 1949.

Review Questions

• How did the Long March affect Mao Zedong's position within the Chinese Communist Party?
  • The Long March significantly boosted Mao Zedong's position within the CCP as it demonstrated his leadership qualities and ability to guide the party through adversity. His strategies during this tumultuous retreat helped unify party members under his vision for communism. The hardships faced during the march also rallied support for Mao's ideas, allowing him to consolidate power and become recognized as the foremost leader of the CCP.
• Discuss how the Long March changed perceptions of the Chinese Communist Party among both supporters and detractors.
  • The Long March altered perceptions of the CCP dramatically; for supporters, it became a symbol of courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, enhancing their loyalty to Mao and communist ideals. Conversely, detractors viewed it as a sign of desperation but also acknowledged its effectiveness in helping the CCP survive against Nationalist aggression. This shift in perception played a critical role in rallying more support for communism in China during a time of conflict.
• Evaluate the significance of the Long March in shaping modern Chinese history and its implications for future communist movements globally.
  • The Long March was a defining moment that not only solidified Mao Zedong's leadership but also established a powerful narrative of resilience that would resonate with future generations. Its success became a foundational myth for the CCP, galvanizing support during subsequent conflicts leading up to 1949's establishment of the PRC. Internationally, it inspired communist movements around the world by illustrating how a determined group could withstand adversity against a larger adversary, reinforcing themes of perseverance and ideological commitment that are central to many revolutionary movements.

Related terms

Chinese Communist Party (CCP): The founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China, established in 1921, which led the revolution against the Nationalists and implemented communist policies.

Mao Zedong: A founding father of the People's Republic of China and prominent leader of the CCP, known for his role in the Long March and for establishing communist rule in China.

Kuomintang (KMT): The Nationalist Party of China that opposed the CCP during the Chinese Civil War and was led by Chiang Kai-shek.