Result of the Long March and the leadership of Mao Zedong
Why was the Long March remembered more as propaganda than a military success?
The Long March was a retreat with huge losses, but Mao turned it into a heroic propaganda story.
How did CCP policies in Yenan improve peasant loyalty?
CCP policies like land reform, healthcare, and education won peasant loyalty.
How did CCP propaganda and KMT failures boost CCP popularity after 1937?
The CCP used propaganda and KMT failures to appear more capable and patriotic.
Why did peasants’ hopes for reform collapse after early CCP-KMT collaboration?
Collaboration raised hopes for reform, but Chiang’s purge ended them.
How did Mao’s “Eight Points” win peasant trust?
The “Eight Points” made soldiers respect peasants, earning trust and building CCP support.
What limits did foreign observers face in judging Yenan?
Foreigners praised CCP but only saw what leaders allowed, missing repression and propaganda.
What long-term strategy is shown by Mao spreading the Yenan model?
Mao spread the Yenan model, building rural control to weaken KMT cities.
What evidence shows the KMT favored elites over ordinary people?
Land concentration and famine increase showed KMT served wealthy people, not peasants.
What does Mao’s rejection of the Soviet model reveal about his leadership style?
Mao rejected the Soviet model, showing that he did not believe it would work due to China’s unique conditions.
How did the Rectification Movement expose flaws in Mao’s “democratic dictatorship”?
Mao’s “democratic dictatorship” was symbolic. Rectification punished those who opposed it and silenced rivals.
How did KMT failures against Japan undermine its legitimacy?
KMT failures against Japan destroyed credibility, boosting CCP’s nationalist image.
How valid are claims of KMT corruption in the opium trade?
KMT condemned opium but profited from it, proving corruption.
Why was a peasant-based revolution more realistic than a proletarian one in China?
China’s weak industry meant no proletarian base, so peasants were essential.
How did the Rectification Movement change CCP leadership dynamics?
Rectification eliminated opposition, leaving Mao as undisputed CCP leader.
What evidence shows CCP popularity grew despite limited fighting against Japan?
CCP’s limited fighting was exaggerated as heroic, contrasting with KMT’s failures.
How did Chiang use the New Life Movement and censorship to secure power?
New Life Movement and censorship reinforced loyalty and suppressed opposition.
How did Mao’s portrayal of the Long March strengthen CCP legitimacy?
Propaganda about the Long March won respect, rebuilt support, and gave CCP legitimacy.
What differences existed between CCP propaganda about Yenan and its reality?
Propaganda hid repression; Yenan was both reformist and tightly controlled.
How did CCP’s nationalist image prepare it for post-war victory?
CCP’s nationalist image built post-war support, helping it defeat the KMT by 1949.
How did KMT failures in reform and defense help the CCP rise?
KMT’s failures let CCP present itself as defender, gaining recruits and support.