Was CCP victory in the Civil War of 1945-9 inevitable by the end of the Second World War?

Although the military tactics of the GMD were poor compared to the vastly superior CCP during the Civil War, this only increased the extent of the Red Army’s victory. CCP victory in the Civil War was near inevitable even before it had started for a number of long-term reasons. World War II was a key factor, as it had exaggerated the weaknesses of the GMD and the strengths of the CCP. However, the GMD already had its inherent weaknesses and its fall directly led to its rival’s rise. By 1945, it was widely seen as ailing and corrupt, while the CCP was seen as idealistic and had gained a much wider supporter base.

The true start of the rise of Mao’s CCP can be traced to the beginning of the Second World War. By this time, the Communist base in Yanan had strengthened itself both militarily and politically, with its efforts to muster up a peasant army as well as Mao’s political rethinking and Sinifying of Communism.

GMD_2007_May5

GMD_2010_June_a

GMD_2010_June_b

The constant skirmishes between the GMD and the CCP had gained the CCP more supporters, as the Nationalist Army mistreated the local peasant population greatly (eg. stealing their food, beating the men). The Red Army, by contrast, were given strict instruction on their dealings with peasants, and most soldiers treated them courteously. The ideology of Communism was also appealing to the peasants, as it meant that they would be able to obtain land. The support of the peasants would only aid the CCP in the future, as they would hide Red Army soldiers within their ranks when the GMD came, show the Red Army soldiers the best tactical locations, and give them food. One must remember that China was a largely agricultural society, with the majority of the population as peasants. Therefore, by...