Chapter 11: World War II and its Aftermath

11.1 China: The Yan'an Soviet, Land Reform, and Mao's Rectification Campaign (1941-44)

1. The Long March and the Yan'an Soviet:

The Long March (1934-35) saw the Communist Party of China (CPC) escape Chiang Kai-shek's encirclement campaigns and establish a new base in Yan'an, Shaanxi province.
In Yan'an, the CPC consolidated its power and set up the Yan'an Soviet, a communist government in exile. Here, Mao Zedong established his leadership and developed the "Maoist" ideology.
This period was crucial, as the CPC:
⭐Gained popular support by implementing land reforms and promoting social justice.
⭐Recruited new members and strengthened its military.
⭐Developed strategies for fighting the Japanese and unifying China.

2. Land Reform and Social Change:

The CPC's land reform policies were aimed at redistributing land from landlords to peasants, who made up the vast majority of the Chinese population. This was a crucial step in gaining support from the rural masses.
This involved breaking up large estates, redistributing land to peasants, and abolishing feudal practices, such as the corvée labor system.
While this aimed to create a more equitable system, it was also a violent process, with many landlords being executed or imprisoned.

3. Mao Zedong's Rectification Campaign:

By 1941, the CPC faced internal challenges, with factionalism and ideological disputes hindering its progress.
This led to Mao Zedong initiating the Rectification Campaign (1941-44), a movement to purge the party of "non-proletarian" elements and establish Mao's dominance.
This involved:
⭐Critical self-reflection and public self-criticism within the party.
⭐Education and indoctrination in Mao's ideology.
⭐Expelling or silencing opponents, both within the party and the wider society.

4. The CPC's Growth and Strength:

The Yan'an period saw the CPC grow in strength and influence.
It gained popular support due to its commitment to social justice and land redistribution.
The Rectification Campaign, despite its questionable methods, unified the party under Mao's leadership and instilled a sense of shared purpose.
This laid the foundation for the CPC's eventual victory in the Chinese Civil War, which began in 1946 after the end of World War II.

5. The Significance of the Yan'an Period:

The Yan'an period was a crucial turning point in the history of the CPC. It marked the rise of Mao Zedong as the undisputed leader and the development of the "Maoist" ideology.
It also witnessed the CPC's transformation from a small, fragmented organization into a powerful force capable of waging war and governing the nation.
The lessons learned in Yan’an, particularly regarding land reform and popular mobilization, would be crucial in the CPC's future success.