Mao Zedong’s Long March is A Path to Revolutionary Change

Mao Zedong, born on 26 December 1893, in Shaoshan, Hunan Province, was a revolutionary leader who helped shape contemporary Chinese history. Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China (PRC), created in 1949, left an indelible effect on China's political, social, and economic landscape.

Mao was born into a peasant family, and his early experiences in rural China shaped his perspective. He had a traditional Confucian education while also being exposed to new ideas during the turbulent time that followed the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. Mao continued his studies in Changsha's First Normal School, where he learnt about political theory and became involved in student activism.

The May Fourth Movement of 1919, a nationalist and anti-imperialist movement, fuelled Mao's determination to revolution. He joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as a founding member in 1921, attending the party's inaugural conference in Shanghai. Mao's early efforts included organising peasants and campaigning for land reform, recognising the revolutionary potential of the rural population in an agrarian society.

One of the most memorable milestones in Mao's rise to fame was the Long March (1934-1935), a large military retreat made by the Red Army to avoid the pursuit of Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang or KMT) soldiers. The Long March was a series of moves by numerous Communist armies from southeastern China to the northern province of Shaanxi.

Faced with encirclement and repeated bombardment by the KMT under Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the Communist troops determined to break through the siege. The difficult trek began with around 86,000 men crossing over 9,000 kilometres (5,600 miles) of harsh terrain, which included mountainous regions, marshlands, and freezing rivers.

Mao emerged as a key player in the Long March, serving as both a military strategist and a unifying leader. His advocate for guerilla warfare techniques and adaptable ideas helped the Red Army overcome insurmountable odds. The march, despite its high cost (just a percent of the original soldiers survived), became a symbol of Communist fight and endurance. It reinforced Mao's position in the CCP, culminating in his selection as Chairman.

Following the Long March, the CCP built a stronghold in Yan'an, where Mao further developed his revolutionary techniques and political ideologies, generally known as Maoism. The CCP's authority rose as it acquired peasant support through land redistribution and social reform measures.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), Communists and Nationalists forged a unified front against the Japanese invasion. However, underlying tensions continued, and after Japan's loss in World War II, civil war erupted between the CCP and the KMT. Capitalising on popular dissatisfaction with the Nationalist government, the Communists acquired an advantage.

On 1 October 1949, Mao declared the People's Republic of China from atop Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. The establishment of the PRC signified the end of decades of revolutionary struggle and the start of fundamental changes in Chinese society.

Mao's reign was characterised by ambitious programs aimed at quickly transforming China into a communist society. The First Five-Year Plan (1953–1957) emphasised industrialisation and collectivisation, drawing influence from Soviet models. However, Mao attempted to apply Marxist-Leninist doctrines to Chinese reality.

In 1958, Mao initiated the Great Leap Forward, which aimed to transform China into a modern industrial nation. The program promoted the formation of people's communes and the widespread mobilisation of labour to boost agricultural and steel production. Mismanagement, unrealistic expectations, and disrespect for professional advise resulted in one of the most devastating famines in human history, killing millions.

In the aftermath, Mao's leadership received criticism, prompting a brief withdrawal from active government. Nonetheless, Mao retained power and, in 1966, launched the Cultural Revolution to re-establish his authority and protect Communist ideology. The decade-long movement attempted to eliminate "bourgeois" elements and promote revolutionary ideas, but instead caused widespread instability, intellectual persecution, and cultural ruin.

Mao Zedong died on 9 September 1976. Although his death marked the end of an era, his legacy continues to have a significant impact on China. Mao is a multifaceted figure whose contributions are open to several interpretations. On the one hand, Mao is credited with unifying China and bringing an end to the "Century of Humiliation," an era characterised by foreign dominance and internal struggle. Under his tenure, literacy rates rose, public health measures reduced disease, and women's rights made great progress.

On the other hand, his policies, especially the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, had disastrous repercussions. The social and economic disturbances resulted in loss of life, cultural legacy, and long-term economic consequences. Today, Mao's picture is ubiquitous throughout China, representing national unity and independence. The Chinese Communist Party acknowledges historical "mistakes" while emphasising gains during Mao's leadership. His views are still being studied today, and his influence may be seen in Chinese government and political theory.

Mao Zedong played an indisputable impact in establishing modern China. From his early revolutionary actions to commanding the Long March, establishing the People's Republic, and influencing global communist movements, Mao's life was inextricably linked to the course of twentieth-century China. His leadership brought about substantial changes that propelled China to the global scene, but at a high cost.

Understanding Mao's legacy necessitates a careful assessment of his accomplishments and the intricacies of his policies. For those interested in history, Mao's life provides valuable insights into the obstacles of nation-building, the attraction and hazards of ideological zeal, and the ongoing struggle for societal transformation.