Reasons for the establishment of CPC

• Spread of communism by Russia:

  • The October Revolution succeeded and subsequently established the first communist regime in the world.
  • Isolated by Western countries, Russia was anxious to spread communist revolutions across the world.
  • In 1919, Russia founded the Comintern to promote communism to the people in other countries.
  • It assisted the establishment of communist parties and the planning of armed revolutions.
• China remaining weak:

  • Although the 1911 Revolution ended the monarchy and established a republic, China was still oppressed by the foreign powers.
  • A handful few struggled for power in the republican system.
  • People's livelihood did not improve significantly.
• China remaining weak:

  • Some intellectuals started to doubt if Western democracy could make China rich and strong.
  • Hence, they considered communism an alternative to save the nation.
• Impact of the May Fourth Movement:

  • During the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, the foreign powers decided to transfer the rights in Shandong to Japan.
  • Some Chinese intellectuals were disappointed with the Western democratic countries.
• Impact of the May Fourth Movement:

  • In contrast, Russia issued the Karakhan Manifesto in 1919.
  • It professed that it was willing to relinquish the Russian claims to the rights and privileges in China.
  • The friendly attitude of Russia towards China left a favourable impression on the Chinese intellectuals.
  • They started to consider if communism could be a way out for China.
• Impact of the May Fourth Movement:

  • New thoughts and beliefs were widely circulated during the May Fourth Movement.
  • Inspired by the success of the October Revolution in Russia, intellectuals like Chen Duxiu promoted communism through their publications.
  • Communism gradually gained attention.