2.4

• What was not predicted in 1945 regarding the Communists?

  A victory for the Communists
• How did the GMD's performance in the Sino-Japanese War compare to that of the Communists?

  The GMD's performance was not impressive, but it was better than that of the Communists
• What advantages did the GMD have over the Communists after the Sino-Japanese War?

  The GMD was better equipped and held a larger proportion of territory
• How did the size of the GMD's army compare to that of the PLA?

  The GMD's army was considerably larger than the PLA
• What combination of factors led to the Communist victory in 1949?

  • Various political, social, and military factors contributed
  • The GMD's weaknesses and the Communists' strengths played a role
  • Changes in public support and international dynamics influenced the outcome
• Who was the skilled leader of the Communist Party of China (CCP) during the war?

  Mao Zedong
• What was Mao's approach to military leadership?

  Mao allowed his generals to provide detailed strategies while giving the overall plan for the war.
• Who was an outstanding military general for the People's Liberation Army (PLA)?

  Lin Biao
• What type of warfare was Lin Biao particularly skilled in directing?

  Guerrilla warfare
• What was a significant weakness of Chiang Kai-shek as a military leader?

  He could not give authority to those with the necessary military skills.
• How did the PLA adapt its military tactics?

  The PLA used a wide range of tactics adapted to the situation, including guerrilla warfare in mountainous regions.
• What tactical error did the GMD make regarding Manchuria?

  The GMD sent troops into Manchuria before controlling the rest of northeastern China.
• What was the consequence of the GMD's tactical error in Manchuria?

  Manchuria became a death trap for the GMD because it could not supply its troops.
• How many men did the GMD lose in Manchuria?


  Half a million men
• What characterized the PLA in terms of troop quality?

  The PLA was a disciplined army motivated by its belief in communism.
• How did the PLA treat the local population during their campaigns?

  The PLA treated the local population with respect, which developed support for communism.
• What was the condition of the National Revolutionary Army (NRA)?

  The NRA was a conscript army that was poorly supplied and cruelly treated.
• What was the impact of poor treatment on the NRA's effectiveness?

  Poor treatment led to a high number of deaths and desertions, reducing the strength of the army.
• What are the key differences between the CCP and GMD forces that contributed to the communist success?

  • Military leadership: Mao vs. Chiang
  • Tactics: PLA's adaptability vs. GMD's errors
  • Troop quality: PLA's discipline and motivation vs. NRA's poor treatment and supply issues
• What happened to Chiang Kai-shek and the GMD forces by 1949?

  Chiang was forced to retreat to Taiwan while the Communists claimed control of China.
• What was one of the key factors that secured victory for the CCP during the Civil War?

  The political success of communism
• How did the political success of communism affect the CCP's support among the Chinese population?

  It attracted significant support for Mao's cause
• What was the impact of local population assistance on the CCP during the Civil War?

  It increased the likelihood of CCP success
• What was the primary source of strength for the CCP according to the study material?

  The political unity of the CCP
• What role did Mao's leadership play in the strength of the CCP?

  Mao's leadership was unchallenged, creating a secure chain of command
• What are the political reasons for the CCP's victory in the Civil War?

  • Political success of communism attracted support
  • Increased assistance from local populations
  • Political unity within the CCP
  • Unchallenged leadership of Mao
• What does the term "indoctrinate" mean?

  Instructing someone in an ideology in such a way that they will only accept that point of view
• How did the CCP create a positive impression during the Civil War?

  • Involvement of local populations in committees for reforms
  • Image of a 'democratic dictatorship' acting for the masses
  • Use of propaganda to strengthen this image
• What methods did the CCP use to spread key messages?

  The CCP used posters and relied on PLA troops indoctrinated with communist ideals
• How did the political position of the GMD change during the Civil War?

  The political position of the GMD weakened due to corruption and unskilled governance
• What was Chiang Kai-shek's promise regarding Sun Yat-sen's 'Three Principles of the People'?

  Chiang promised to implement them, but this did not happen
• What type of government did Chiang establish?

  Chiang set up a dictatorship rather than a democracy
• Who did Chiang favor in his policies?

  Chiang favored bankers, merchants, and landlords over the mass of the population
• What was a consequence of local officials abusing their power under the GMD?

  It led to the GMD being unable to raise enough taxes to fund the government
• By what date was there little political support left for the GMD?

  By October 1949
• What were the economic and social strengths of the CCP?

  • Strong support from the peasants
  • Successful land reforms during the Civil War
  • Support from middle classes in towns and cities
• How did Mao view the path to achieving Chinese communism?

  Mao believed it could not be achieved by focusing solely on the working class
• What was a crucial element in securing the support of the peasants?

  The introduction of land reform in the countryside
• What actions did the CCP take during land reforms?

  The CCP took land from richer peasants and gave it to poorer villagers
• What motivated poorer peasants to support the CCP?

  They feared revenge from landlords if the GMD returned