2.3

• What event ended the Second World War suddenly?

  The dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan
• Why were the GMD and CCP unprepared to take control of China after the Second World War?

  Because the war ended suddenly before they were ready
• What was Chiang's priority before the end of the Second World War?

  To destroy the Reds (Communists)
• What areas did the Nationalists and Communists control after the war?

  The Nationalists held southern and central China, while the Communists controlled the countryside in northern and north-eastern China
• Where was the Communist base located?

  Yanan
• What complicating factor arose as the Japanese retreated from occupied territories in China?

  The Soviet Union sent its Red Army into Manchuria
• What position did Chiang hold after the war regarding the GMD?

  Chiang was in a stronger position as the GMD was recognized as the real government in China
• What did the Americans persuade both the Nationalists and Communists to do?

  To agree to stop fighting
• Why were the Americans concerned about the divisions in China?

  They were worried that the Soviet Union might exploit the divisions and expand their control
• What happened when Chiang tried to set up a new government?

  The Communists left the talks
• By what time had both sides resumed fighting after initial talks?

  By December 1945
• Why is it hard to put a date on the outbreak of the Civil War?

  No official declaration of war was made
• What was clear by July 1946 regarding the Civil War?

  There was no chance of a negotiated agreement
• What is the definition of a civil war?

  • A conflict by two opposing sides in the same country
• What emerged almost immediately after the Second World War?

  • A new type of conflict known as the Cold War
  • Conflict between capitalist countries (led by the USA) and communist countries (led by the Soviet Union)
  • Struggle for dominance and nuclear arms development
• Which country supported China as a communist country?

  The Soviet Union
• How many main stages can the Civil War be divided into?

  Three main stages
• What was the initial success of the GMD in the first stage of the Civil War?

  The GMD captured a number of large cities in the north and established a route through to Manchuria
• What was the impact of the PLA's guerrilla tactics by May 1947?

  The PLA secured control of northern Manchuria, significantly strengthening the Communists
• What characterized the second stage of the Civil War?

  The PLA launched full-scale attacks on the GMD and switched to conventional warfare
• What was the time frame of the second stage of the Civil War?

  May 1947 to November 1948
• How did the GMD's territory change during the second stage of the Civil War?

  The GMD became increasingly cut-off from the rest of China in its shrinking territory
• What was the duration of the third stage of the Civil War?

  From December 1948 until October 1949
• What was the outcome of the battles in the third stage of the Civil War?

  The Communists enjoyed tremendous success
• What is the definition of conventional warfare?

  A form of warfare in which the forces on both sides are clearly defined and they fight with weapons directed at the opponent's military forces
• What was the significance of the Huai-Hai campaign in the Civil War?

  It was the most decisive campaign that started the final stage of the conflict
• Where did Chiang choose to make a stand during the Huai-Hai campaign?

  At Xuzhou
• Why was the Huai-Hai campaign a disaster for Chiang?

  The PLA was strengthened by men who had abandoned Chiang's NRA, and the NRA lacked aircraft and food
• How many men did Chiang lose during the Huai-Hai campaign?

  200,000 men
• What was the outcome of the Huai-Hai campaign on January 10, 1949?

  The NRA troops finally surrendered
• How did the Huai-Hai campaign affect American support for the GMD?

  It led to the USA not being prepared to give any more funding to the GMD
• How much funding had the USA already given to the GMD by the time of the Huai-Hai campaign?

  More than US$3 billion
• What happened to the Communists by January 1949?

  They had taken control of large areas of the north, including Beijing
• What was the significance of Mao's declaration on October 1, 1949?

  He declared the new government, the People's Republic of China (PRC), with himself as its leader
• Where did Chiang flee after the Civil War?

  To Taiwan
• What did Chiang establish in Taiwan after fleeing?

  An alternative GMD government