The Long March, which was completed in October 1935, was a major event in Chinese Communist history and an essential part of the country’s revolutionary spirit. It is seen as one of the most significant episodes in modern Chinese history, and its success was key to the survival of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the eventual establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
The Long March was a strategic move by the Chinese Communist Party to escape the encirclement campaign of the Kuomintang (KMT) forces under Chiang Kai-shek. The campaign had forced the Communists to flee the Jiangxi Soviet, an area under the control of the CCP in southeastern China, which the KMT had been trying to recapture since 1931. In order to escape certain defeat, the Communists decided to embark on a daring journey: a 6,000-mile trek across some of the most desolate and rugged terrain in China, known today as the Long March.
The Long March began in October 1934 and lasted for a year, ending in October 1935. During the march, the Communists faced immense struggles, including extreme weather conditions, malnutrition, illness, and constant military attacks by the Kuomintang forces. Despite the difficulties, the Long March is considered a success and was instrumental in preserving the Chinese Communists’ power and enabling them to eventually establish the People’s Republic of China.
The Long March was also of great symbolic importance to Chinese Communism, as it was seen as a triumph over adversity. It demonstrated the ability of the Communists to endure hardships and adapt to changing conditions while still maintaining their revolutionary spirit and commitment to their goals. Many of the communists who participated in the Long March later rose to positions of power in the CCP, such as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.
The most important outcome of the march was the survival of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the establishment of the Chinese Red Army. These developments were essential for Mao Zedong and the CCP to eventually launch their successful revolution in 1949, which would establish the People’s Republic of China. Additionally, the Long March also enabled the CCP to gain a broader following across the country, as people learned about the heroism of the marchers and the virtues of the communist cause.
The Long March’s most lasting legacy, however, is its role in the forging of a strong Chinese national identity. By completing the march, the marchers demonstrated their courage and commitment to a common cause, and this helped to unify and inspire the people of China. It also provided a powerful symbol of the strength and resilience of the Chinese people, which is still relevant today.
The Long March was a monumental event in modern Chinese history and a crucial stepping stone in the rise of the Chinese Communist Party. It is remembered as one of the greatest accomplishments of the CCP and a source of national pride. Its success enabled the CCP to eventually take power and form the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Additionally, the Long March served to unite and inspire the Chinese people, which remains a relevant part of their identity today.