Chinese Civil War

The Chinese Civil War was a civil war in China between the Communist Party of China and Kuomintang led Nationalist forces. It lasted from 1927 to 1936 before pausing until 1945, after which it lasted until the Communist Party victory in 1949, with the remnants of the Kuomintang setting up an repressive and murderous Capitalist regime on Taiwan.

Background

Revolution of 1911

The revolution of 1911, led by Sun Yat-sen overthrew the Qing Dynasty in China, ending the monarchy that had existed for thousands of years before. Some early Chinese Communists played a role in the revolution which ushered in a bourgeoise democratic republic. The revolution also had anti-imperialist and anti-feudalist characteristics.

Communist Party of China

The Communist Party of China was founded on July 23, 1921 as a Marxist-Leninist party. Chen Duxiu was chosen as the party's first General-Secretary.

Kuomintang

The Kuomintang was founded on December 24 1894 by Sun Yat-sen before being dissolved in 1913 and refounded in October 1919. The group was involved in the 1911 revolution and several efforts to overthrow warlord governments.

First United Front

A United Front was formed between the Communists and the Kuomintang in 1923 with help from the Soviet Union against warlords in China. It was led by Sun Yat-sen until his death in 1925, after which Chiang Kai-shek took over. Between April 12 and April 15 1927 Chiang Kai-shek orchestrated the Shanghai massacre, purging the CPC, organized workers and other suspected Communists from the Kuomintang and murdering more than 5000.

First Civil War 1927-1936

On August 1, 1927 the Autumn Harvest uprising began in central Hunan and Jiangxi led by Mao Zedong. In 1928 the Red Army was organized, renamed in 1930 to the Chinese Workers and Peasants Red Army. In 1931 the Red Army totaled more than 150000.