Upheavals in China Chapter 12 4 Focus Question

Upheavals in China Chapter 12. 4

Focus Question • How did China cope with internal division and foreign invasion in the early 1900’s?

The Chinese Republic in Trouble • After WWI, German territories were given to Japan instead of China. • After the death of the second president of China, local warlords seized power, and the influence of foreign powers increased.

The Chinese Republic in Trouble • In 1919, the May Fourth Movement sought to strengthen China and end foreign domination by rejecting Confucianism and many traditional practices. • Some Chinese also turned to Marxism and the Soviet Union offered to train/educate Chinese students and officers to become elite leaders.

Struggle for a New China • The Nationalist party of China, called the Guomindang (KMT or Kuomintang), was first led by Sun Yixian and then by Jiang Jieshi. • Jiang led the combined forces of the Guomindang and Chinese Communists in 1926 in the Northern Expedition to defeat the warlords and unite China. • It was successful, and they were able to take the Northern provinces and cities such as Beijing.

Struggle for a New China Cont. • Jiang turned on the Communists after the Northern Provinces were gained to seize all power. • Jiang ordered the attack on thousands of soldiers and workers who supported the communists were slaughtered and a civil war broke out in China (will last 22 years)

Struggle for a New China Cont. • Communist leader, Mao Zedong led an effort to gain the support of peasants by redistributing land. • Mao’s forces were forced to retreat. This is known as the “Long March” in 1934 into Northern China to set up new stronghold and regroup.

Struggle for a New China Cont. • Mao’s communist’s would use guerrilla tactics to attack the Guomindang • During the march to N. China, soldiers were instructed to treat peasants with respect and do as little damage as possible. Gaining a lot of peasant support.

Japanese Invasion • Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931. • In 1937, the Japanese bombed Chinese cities and invaded eastern China. • The Guomindang and Communists fought the Japanese together in this Second Sino. Japanese War.

Looking ahead • By the end of World War II, China was split between the Jiang’s Guomindang and Mao’s communist Party. • As corruption grew in Jiang’s government, the Communists gained support and would eventually take control.