People's History of Ideas Podcast

Some basic military history of the beginning of the war.Further reading:Bruce A. Elleman and Stephen Kotkin, eds., Manchurian Railways and the Opening of ChinaMichael M. Walker, The 1929 Sino-Soviet WarJohn Erickson, The Soviet High Command: A Military-Political History, 1918-1941Some names from this episode:Vasily Blyukher (née Gurov, aka Galen), commander of the Special Far Eastern ArmyGebhard Leberecht von Blücher, Prussian general in Napoleonic warsAleksandr Cherepanov, commander of the 39th Rifle Division in the Soviet Far EastAndrei Bubnov, head of the political administration of the Soviet Red ArmyFeng Yuxiang, warlord close to both the USA and the Soviet UnionA. I. Traynin, captain of the Soviet warship SverdlovMok Yiuming, captain of the Chinese gunboat LishuiFedor Vulahov, lead petty officer of the SverdlovR. I. Yuanzem, commander of the Soviet warship Red EastI. I. Nikitin, captain of the Soviet warship Sun YatsenI. A. Onufriev, the commander of the 2nd “Amur” Rifle DivisionEpisode artwork:Photo of Soviet soldiers with captured Guomindang bannersSupport the show

The Guomindang moves to seize Soviet assets in Manchuria. Also, subscribe to the new substack at https://peopleshistoryofideas.substack.com/.Further reading:Bruce A. Elleman and Stephen Kotkin, eds., Manchurian Railways and the Opening of ChinaMichael M. Walker, The 1929 Sino-Soviet WarSome names from this episode:Li Lisan, Chairman of Central Committee Propaganda DepartmentChen Duxiu, Co-founder of the Chinese Communist PartyLi Dazhao, Co-founder of the Chinese Communist PartyLev Karakhan, Soviet deputy commissioner for foreign affairs in 1919 and acting commissioner in 1929Zhang Zuolin, Manchurian warlord killed by Japan in 1928Zhang Xueliang, Manchurian warlord, son of Zhang ZuolinMartemyan Nikitich Ryutin, Bolshevik leader of Harbin soviet in 1917Episode artwork: Flag of the Chinese Eastern RailwaySupport the show

Mao discusses problems in party organization and how to fix them.Further reading:Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949“On the Revolutionary “Three-in-One” Combination”Episode artwork: May 1967 poster “Resolutely Protect the Policy of the Revolutionary Three-in-One Combination”Support the show

We continue our textual analysis of the Gutian Resolution.Further reading:Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Mao Zedong, “On Correcting Mistaken Ideas in the Party”“Bury the Slave Mentality Advocated by China's Khrushchov” in Peking Review (April 14, 1967)Some names from this episode:Liu Shaoqi, top level Communist Party leader attacked as China's Khrushchev during the Cultural RevolutionZhou Enlai, head of the Organization Department of the Central CommitteeLi Lisan, leading CommunistQu Qiubai, top leader of Communist Party from the summer of 1927 until the Sixth CongressHuang Chao, salt merchant who led a rebellion from 875-884Li Chuang (Li Zicheng), bandit leader who seized Beijing in 1644 and was later defeated by the ManchusHong Xiuquan, leader of the Taiping Revolution and claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus ChristChen Yi, member of Front Committee of Fourth Red ArmyEpisode artwork: Gutian villageSupport the show

On the importance of the Resolution, and a beginning discussion of the actual text.Further reading:Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Mao Zedong, “On Correcting Mistaken Ideas in the Party”Episode artwork: Photo of the Gutian CongressSupport the show

We look at two letters written by Mao on November 28, 1929, and introduce our discussion of “On Correcting Mistaken Ideas in the Party” and the other parts of the Gutian Resolution.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Mao Zedong, “On Correcting Mistaken Ideas in the Party”Abimael Guzmán, “Report of the Meeting of the Central Leadership with the Cangallo-Fajardo Regional Committee”Peking Review (Feb. 3, 1967)Some names from this episode:Li Lisan, Chairman of Central Committee Propaganda DepartmentYang Kaihui, Mao's first wifeMao Anying, Mao's first sonChen Yi, member of Front Committee of Fourth Red ArmyChen Duxiu, former general secretary of the Communist PartyMao Zemin, Mao's brotherXie Hanqiu, observer from the Fujian Provincial CommitteeLiu Heting, Guomindang military commanderJin Handing, Guomindang military commanderZhang Zhen, Guomindang military commanderEpisode artwork: He Kongde's Gutian Meeting posterSupport the show

The Communists take the fortified city of Shanghang in southwestern Fujian.Further reading and watching:Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]The Battle for Dien Bien PhuPang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Some names from this episode:Lin Biao, commander of the first column of the Fourth Red ArmyLu Hanmin, Guomindang militaristLiu Angong, special envoy sent by Party Center to the Fourth Red ArmyEpisode artwork: Aerial view of modern ShanghangSupport the show

The Central Committee turns out to support centralized leadership. Also, the Comintern publishes Mao's obituary.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Joseph Fewsmith, Forging Leninism in China: Mao and the Remaking of the Chinese Communist Party, 1927–1934Mao Zedong nianpu, 1893-1937 (毛泽东年谱)Chen Jian, Zhou Enlai: A LifeZhou Enlai, Selected Works of Zhou Enlai, vol. 1Some names from this episode:Chen Yi, replaced Mao as secretary of the Front CommitteeXiang Zhongfa, General secretary of the CPZhou Enlai, head of the Organization Department of the Central Committee Li Lisan, Leading CommunistLiu Angong, special envoy sent by Party Center to the Fourth Red ArmySupport the show

The line struggle continues and does not go Mao's way. Plus, comments on the historiography.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Joseph Fewsmith, Forging Leninism in China: Mao and the Remaking of the Chinese Communist Party, 1927–1934Mao Zedong nianpu, 1893-1937 (毛泽东年谱)Chen Jian, Zhou Enlai: A LifeSome names from this episode:Liu Angong, special envoy sent by Party Center to the Fourth Red ArmyLin Biao, commander of the first column of the Fourth Red ArmyChen Yi, replaced Mao as secretary of the Front CommitteeZhou Enlai, head of the Organization Department of the Central CommitteeJiang Hua, secretary general of the political department of the Fourth Red ArmyEpisode artwork: photo of Jiang HuaSupport the show

We continue our close reading of Mao's letter to Lin Biao. In this episode, Mao discusses the roving rebel band mentality and the organizational state of affairs in the army, party, and mass organizations.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Mao Zedong, “On Correcting Mistaken Ideas in the Party”Some names from this episode:Liu Angong, special envoy sent by Party Center to the Fourth Red ArmyYang Sen, Sichuan warlordZhu Yunqing, chief political advisor to the Fourth Red ArmyEpisode artwork: photo of Zhu YunqingSupport the show

The Party Center's intervention in the Fourth Red Army combines with a string of military victories to bring a simmering dispute between Mao and Zhu to a head.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Joseph Fewsmith, Forging Leninism in China: Mao and the Remaking of the Chinese Communist Party, 1927–1934Mao Zedong nianpu, 1893-1937 (毛泽东年谱)Some names from this episode:Zhou Enlai, head of the Organization Department of the Central CommitteeLiu Angong, special envoy sent by Party Center to the Fourth Red ArmyLin Biao, commander of the first column of the Fourth Red ArmyPeng Dehuai, commander of the Fifth Red ArmySupport the show

The conquest of Yudu, Xingguo, Ningdu, Longyan, and Yongding counties by the Fourth Red Army. Zhu De reminisces. Also, poetry.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Peng Dehuai, Memoirs of a Chinese MarshallAgnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Joseph Fewsmith, Forging Leninism in China: Mao and the Remaking of the Chinese Communist Party, 1927–1934Mao Zedong nianpu, 1893-1937 (毛泽东年谱)Some names from this episode:Zhou Enlai, head of the Organization Department of the Central CommitteePeng Dehuai, leader of the Fifth Red ArmySupport the Show.

Mao's April 5, 1929 reply to Zhou Enlai.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930David Apter and Tony Saich, Revolutionary Discourse in Mao's RepublicTony Saich, The Rise to Power of the Chinese Communist PartyMichael Heinrich, Karl Marx and the Birth of Modern Society: The Life of Marx and the Development of His WorkSome names from this episode:Zhou Enlai, head of the Organization Department of the Central CommitteeXiang Zhongfa, General secretary of the CPGuo Fengming, bandit turned Guomindang local despot in ChangtingLiu Shiyi, Guomindang commanderYe Ting, Communist military leaderHe Long, Communist military leaderSupport the Show.

A close look at Zhou Enlai's February 7, 1929, letter to Mao Zedong and Zhu De.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930E. H. Carr, Foundations of a Planned Economy, vol. 3Tony Saich, The Rise to Power of the Chinese Communist PartySome names from this episode:Zhou Enlai, head of the Organization Department of the Central CommitteeXiang Zhongfa, General secretary of the CPLi Lisan, Leading CommunistSupport the show

Mao plans to expand guerrilla warfare, and meets up with Peng Dehuai in Ruijin.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaPeng Dehuai, Memoirs of a Chinese MarshallSome names from this episode:Yuan Wencai, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongWang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongHe Changgong, secretary of the Ninggang County Party following the departure of the Fourth Red ArmyLong Chaoqing, former secretary of the Ninggang County Committee of the Communist PartyPeng Dehuai, leader of the Fifth Red ArmyLi Wenlin, Communist guerrilla commanderDuan Yuequan, Communist guerrilla commanderLiu Shiyi, Guomindang commanderXiao Jiabi, reactionary militia leaderSupport the show

Some reflections on the experience of Shanghai capitalists after 1949 prompted by the ‘Notice to Merchants and Intellectuals' that Mao issued after taking Changting in 1929.Further reading:Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Yao Wenyuan, “On the Social Basis of the Lin Piao Anti-Party Clique” (for heavenly horses reference)David Apter and Tony Saich, Revolutionary Discourse in Mao's RepublicLynn White, Policies of Chaos: The Organizational Causes of Violence in China's Cultural RevolutionDavid Barbosa, “Rong Yiren, a Chinese Billionaire, Dies at 89”Some names from this episode:Wu Zhongyi, Shanghai capitalistRong Yiren, Shanghai capitalistSupport the show

Looking at what Mao and Zhu De did to install a new Communist order after conquering Changting.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Mao Zedong, “On New Democracy”Some names from this episode:Guo Fengming, bandit turned Guomindang local despot in ChangtingFeng Yuxiang, warlord close to both the USA and the Soviet UnionWang Jingwei, leader of the Guomindang leftDai Jitao, Guomindang ideologueYan Xishan, warlord accused by Mao of being a running dog for the Japanese imperialistsSupport the show

How the Fourth Red Army spent their time in Donggu, and how they took the first city in the new base area in the Jiangxi-Fujian border region.Further reading:Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Joseph Fewsmith, Forging Leninism in China: Mao and the Remaking of the Chinese Communist Party, 1927–1934Gao Hua, How the Red Sun Rose: The Origins and Development of the Yan'an Rectification Movement, 1930-1945Stephen Averill, “The Origins of the Futian Incident”Some names from this episode:Xiao Ke, an officer in the Fourth Red ArmyPeng Pai, Communist peasant organizerLong Chaoqing, important early Communist in Jinggangshan areaPeng Dehuai, Leader of the 5th Red ArmyGuo Fengming, Bandit turned Guomindang local despot in ChangtingSupport the show

The Mao-Zhu Army raises funds in Ningdu and moves on to the Donggu base area for rest and recovery. Background on Donggu.Link to map of Jiangxi province: https://www.chinamaps.org/china/provincemaps/jiangxi-province-map.htmlFurther reading:Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Joseph Fewsmith, Forging Leninism in China: Mao and the Remaking of the Chinese Communist Party, 1927–1934Some names from this episode:Wang Chuxi, big landlord in Donggu area who lived in FutianYe Jianying, Communist who led division of the National Revolutionary Army which took Ji'an during the Northern ExpeditionDuan Qifeng, Donggu bandit chief who joined with CommunistsWang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongLai Jingbang, first leader of the Donggu communistsWang Liangzhao, younger brother to Wang ChuxiSupport the show

Mao and the Fourth Red Army break the encirclement of the Jinggangshan and retreat across southern Jiangxi with the Guomindang in hot pursuit.Link to map of Jiangxi province: https://www.chinamaps.org/china/provincemaps/jiangxi-province-map.htmlFurther reading/watching on the difficulties of finding good maps of China:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restrictions_on_geographic_data_in_Chinahttps://www.reddit.com/r/Maps/comments/b6qnvc/just_blew_my_mind_every_map_of_china_is/https://www.reddit.com/r/China/comments/7pju2c/why_is_google_maps_coverage_of_china_slightly_off/Further reading:Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 4: The Rise and Fall of the Chinese Soviet Republic, 1931-1934Some names from this episode:Chen Yi, Political commissar for the 28th regiment of the Fourth Red ArmyLin Biao, Battalion commander in the 28th regimentWu Ruolan, Communist cadre and Zhu De's wifeSupport the show

Answering a listener question on the Great Leap Forward famine.Further reading:Mobo Gao, The Battle for China's PastUnited Nations, “Losing 25,000 to Hunger Every Day”Minhaz Merchant, “Churchill's Bengal Famine”Karl Marx, CapitalMike Davis, Late Victorian HolocaustsFrederick Engels, The Condition of the Working Class in EnglandSupport the show

We wrap up our discussion of the Sixth Congress with a discussion of the political line coming out of the congress, and some related issues.Further reading:Tony Saich, The Rise to Power of the Chinese Communist PartyChang Kuo-t'ao [Zhang Guotao], The Rise of the Chinese Communist Party (2 volumes)Daniel Kwan, Marxist Intellectuals and the Chinese Labor Movement: A Study of Deng Zhongxia, 1894-1933Various 6th Party Congress documents in Chinese Studies in History vol. 3, #4 through vol. 5, #1Yueh Sheng, Sun Yat-sen University in Moscow and the Chinese Revolution: A Personal AccountA Basic Understanding of the Communist Party of ChinaSome names from this episode:Nikolai Bukharin, general secretary of the executive committee of the CominternQu Qiubai, Named head of provisional politburo at August 7, 1927 Emergency ConferenceZhang Guotao, Leading CommunistPavel Mif, Top Comintern China specialistLi Lisan, Leading CommunistZhou Enlai, Leading CommunistXiang Zhongfa, Trade unionist and new general secretary of the CPXiang Ying, Leading CommunistSupport the show

Qu Qiubai's report and proposal are disputed, and the Comintern intervenes to restore order.Further reading:Tony Saich, The Rise to Power of the Chinese Communist PartyChang Kuo-t'ao [Zhang Guotao], The Rise of the Chinese Communist Party (2 volumes)Daniel Kwan, Marxist Intellectuals and the Chinese Labor Movement: A Study of Deng Zhongxia, 1894-1933Qu Qiubai, “The Past and Future of the Chinese Communist Party”Various 6th Party Congress documents in Chinese Studies in History vol. 3, #4 through vol. 5, #1Some names from this episode:Nikolai Bukharin, general secretary of the executive committee of the CominternQu Qiubai, Named head of provisional politburo at August 7, 1927 Emergency ConferenceChen Duxiu, Co-founder and first general secretary of the Communist PartyZhang Guotao, Leading CommunistPavel Mif, Top Comintern China specialistChen Shaoyu, Protégé of Mif (better known as Wang Ming)Shen Zemin, Sun Yat-sen University student who translated at the 6th party congressSupport the show

Our third (and last) close look at Bukharin's speech at the 6th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, held in Moscow in the summer of 1928.Further reading:Nikolai Bukharin, “On the International Situation and the Tasks of the Chinese Communist Party”Lenin, “Speech at the First All-Russia Congress of Working Women”Some names from this episode:Nikolai Bukharin, general secretary of the executive committee of the CominternPeng Dehuai, Guomindang colonel who was secretly a Communist and who launched an uprising in July 1928Support the show

Bukharin articulates a vision of the Chinese Revolution at the 6th Party Congress which is highly colored by the non-revolutionary Marxism of the 2nd International.Further reading:Nikolai Bukharin, “On the International Situation and the Tasks of the Chinese Communist Party”Andre Gunder Frank, World Accumulation, 1492–1789Immanuel Wallerstein, The Modern World-System, vol. I: Capitalist Agriculture and the Origins of the European World-Economy in the Sixteenth Century Mao Zedong, “The Chinese Revolution and the Chinese Communist Party”Vladimir Lenin, “Two Tactics of Social-Democracy in the Democratic Revolution”Vladimir Lenin, “Once Again on The Trade Unions: The Current Situation and the Mistakes of Trotsky and Bukharin”Hung Hsueh-ping, “The Essence of ‘Theory of Productive Forces' is to oppose Proletarian Revolution”Some names from this episode:Nikolai Bukharin, general secretary of the executive committee of the CominternChen Duxiu, Co-founder and first general secretary of the Communist PartyMikhail Borodin, Comintern agent and head of Soviet mission to aid the Guomindang during the period of the first united frontSupport the show

Nikolai Bukharin kicks off the party congress with a very long speech.Further reading:Tony Saich, The Rise to Power of the Chinese Communist PartyChang Kuo-t'ao [Zhang Guotao], The Rise of the Chinese Communist Party (2 volumes)E. H. Carr, Foundations of a Planned Economy, vol. 3Nikolai Bukharin, “On the International Situation and the Tasks of the Chinese Communist Party”Nicholas Kozlov and Eric Weitz, “Reflections on the Origins of the ‘Third Period': Bukharin, the Comintern, and the Political Economy of Weimar Germany”Theodore Rosengarten, All God's Dangers: The Life of Nate ShawRobin Kelley, Hammer and Hoe: Alabama Communists during the Great DepressionSome names from this episode:Nikolai Bukharin, general secretary of the executive committee of the CominternZhang Guotao, Leading CommunistQu Qiubai, Top leader of the Chinese Communist Party from the August 7, 1927 emergency meeting until the 6th Party CongressEugen Varga, Hungarian communist economistSupport the show

The decision to hold the Sixth Party Congress in Moscow, and some of the political debate inside the Communist Party of China leading up to that Congress.Further reading:Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Tony Saich, The Rise to Power of the Chinese Communist PartyPatricia Stranahan, Underground: The Shanghai Communist Party and the Politics of Survival, 1927-1937Daniel Kwan, Marxist Intellectuals and the Chinese Labor Movement: A Study of Deng Zhongxia, 1894-1933Chang Kuo-t'ao [Zhang Guotao], The Rise of the Chinese Communist Party (2 volumes)E. H. Carr, Foundations of a Planned Economy, vol. 3Organization of Communist Revolutionaries, “The CP, the Sixties, the RCP, and the Crying Need for a Communist Vanguard Party Today: Summing up a century of communist leadership, organization, strategy, and practice in the United States so that we can rise to the challenges before us”Some names from this episode:Qu Qiubai, Top leader of the Chinese Communist Party from the August 7, 1927 emergency meeting until the 6th Party CongressZhang Guotao, Leading CommunistChen Duxiu, General Secretary of the Communist Party until summer 1927Zhou Enlai, Leading CommunistSupport the show

Potentially explosive guidance arrives in the Jinggangshan from the 6th Party Congress of the Communist Party, and plans are laid to break out of the enemy encirclement.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaStuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Tony Saich, The Rise to Power of the Chinese Communist PartyMao Zedong, “Combat Liberalism”Some names from this episode:Peng Dehuai, Guomindang colonel who was secretly a Communist and who launched an uprising in July 1928Wang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongYuan Wencai, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongWang Shouhua, President of the General Labor UnionChen Yi, Political commissar for the 28th regiment of the Fourth Red ArmyLong Chaoqing, secretary of the Ninggang County Committee of the Communist PartyWang Huai, secretary of the Yongxin County Committee of the Communist PartyHe Changgong, important Fourth Red Army cadreSupport the show

The national Guomindang center takes note of the Communists' resilience, and takes charge of organizing a new suppression campaign, which is preceded by a tight economic blockade. Peng Dehuai makes his way to the Jinggangshan.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaStuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Mao Zedong, “The Struggle in the Chingkang Mountains”Edward Dreyer, China at War: 1901-1949James Sheridan, China in Disintegration: The Republican Era in Chinese History, 1912-1949Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Peng Dehuai, Memoirs of a Chinese MarshallSome names from this episode:Chen Yi, Political commissar for the 28th regiment of the Fourth Red ArmyWang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongHe Zizhen, Communist cadre known as the “Two-Gunned Girl General”Peng Dehuai, Guomindang colonel who was secretly a Communist and who launched an uprising in July 1928Teng Daiyuan, Fifth Red Army leading cadreHe Changgong, important Fourth Red Army cadreSupport the show

A close reading of a couple portions of Mao's November 25, 1928 report to the Central Committee.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaStuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 2: National Revolution and Social Revolution, December 1920-June 1927Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Mao Zedong, “The Struggle in the Chingkang Mountains”Names listed as having attended Nov. 6 meeting mentioned near the beginning of the episode:Zhu De, Chen Yi, He Tingying, He Changgong, Yuan Wencai, Wang Zuo, Tan Zhenlin, Deng Ganyuan, Li Quefei, Chen Zhengren, Wang Zuonong, Xiao Wanxia, Liu Huixiao, Xie Chunbiao, Liu Di, Xiong Shouqi, Yang Kaiming, Cao Shuo, Deng Jiuting, Mao Zedong, Song Qiaosheng, Peng Gu, and Yuan Desheng.Support the show

Finishing our close reading of the resolution of the Border Area Party Congress of October 4 to 6, 1928. Also, the reorganization and purge of the party following the Communist recovery of the Jinggangshan base area after the August Defeat.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaStuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Charles Bettelheim, Class Struggles in the USSR: First Period: 1917-1923Fyodor Vasilievich Gladkov, CementSupport the show

A discussion of the concept of opportunism as it developed in the international communist movement, and a close reading of the self-critical portion of the resolution of the Border Area Party Congress of October 4 to 6, 1928.Further reading:Lenin, “Opportunism, and the Collapse of the Second International”Cheng Yen-shih, ed., Lenin's Fight Against Revisionism and OpportunismMao Zedong, “On the Correct Handling of Contradictions among the People”Lynn White, Policies of Chaos: The Organizational Causes of Violence in China's Cultural RevolutionSome names from this episode:Du Xiujing, Inspector sent to the Jinggangshan by the Hunan Provincial Committee in May 1928 and who returned in JuneLiu Zhen, Secretary of the Yongxin County Party CommitteeSupport the show

A close reading of the portion of the resolution of the Border Area Party Congress of October 4 to 6, 1928, which later became a key early text in the Maoist canon.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaStuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Mao Zedong, “Why Is It that Red Political Power Can Exist in China?”Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Jane Degras, ed., The Communist International, 1919-1943: Documents, vol. 2: 1923-1928A name from this episode:Du Xiujing, Inspector sent to the Jinggangshan by the Hunan Provincial Committee in May 1928 and who returned in JuneSupport the show

The Communists fight to regain lost territory, and ethnic tensions explode among the peasants in the base area.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaStuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Some names from this episode:Du Xiujing, Inspector sent to the Jinggangshan by the Hunan Provincial Committee in May 1928 and who returned in JuneGong Chu, Political commissar for the 29th regimentChen Yi, Political commissar for the 28th regimentKang Keqing, Peasant guerrilla fighter from Wan'an CountyYuan Wencai, Leader of the 32nd regimentSupport the show

The 29th Regiment goes against Mao's orders and decides to stay in Hunan, with disastrous results for the Communists.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaAgnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Jurgen Domes, Peng Te-huai: The Man and the ImageStuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Some names from this episode:Wang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongYuan Wencai, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongHu Shaohai, Commander of the 29th regiment of the 4th Red ArmyDu Xiujing, Inspector sent to the Jinggangshan by the Hunan Provincial Committee in May 1928 and who returned in JuneFan Shisheng, Guomindang general and old friend of Zhu DeYuan Chongquan, 28th Regiment battalion commander who mutiniedYuan Desheng, Representative of the Hunan Provincial CommitteePeng Dehuai, Guomindang colonel who was secretly a Communist and who launched an uprising in July 1928Support the show

Mao explains his refusal to comply with orders from the Hunan Provincial Committee.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaStuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Some names from this episode:Du Xiujing, Inspector sent to the Jinggangshan by the Hunan Provincial Committee in May 1928 and who returned in JuneYuan Desheng, Representative of the Hunan Provincial Committee in the JinggangshanYang Chisheng, Guomindang commander defeated by the Communists in June 1928Wang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongYuan Wencai, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongWang Jun, Guomindang military commander in JiangxiShang Chengjie, Guomindang military commander in HunanXu Kexiang, Guomindang military commander in HunanWu Shang, Guomindang military commander in HunanSupport the show

A talk that I recently delivered at the University of Hamburg, focused on the development of a new socialist political economy late in the Cultural Revolution and how this influenced the Communist Party of Peru.Further reading:Alessandro Russo, Cultural Revolution and Revolutionary CultureFabio Lanza, The End of Concern: Maoist China, Activism, and Asian StudiesAntonio Díaz Martínez, China: La revolución agrariaCatalina Adrianzén, “Semblanza de Antonio Díaz Martínez”Peer Moller Christensen and Jorgen Delman, “A Theory of Transitional Society: Mao Zedong and the Shanghai School”Stephen Andors, China's Industrial Revolution: Politics, Planning, and Management, 1949 to the PresentSome names from this episode:Catalina Adrianzén, Peruvian anthropologist in China from 1974-1976Antonio Díaz Martínez, Peruvian agronomist in China from 1974-1976Zhang Chunqiao, Leading figure on Maoist left in ChinaJiang Qing, Leading figure on Maoist left in ChinaSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

In light of the Ukraine crisis, a historical look at communist thinking on the connection between a third world war and revolution.Further reading:Sergei N. Goncharov, John W. Lewis, and Xue Litai, Uncertain Partners: Stalin, Mao, and the Korean WarDavid Holloway, Stalin and the BombEdward Wilson, “Thank you Vasili Arkhipov, the man who stopped nuclear war”Mao Zedong, “On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People”Mao Zedong, “Speech at a Meeting of the Representatives of 64 Communist and Workers' Parties”M. Upshaw, “Considerations on a Revolutionary Situation in the United States: Likely Triggering Factors, Potential Political Contours”Some names from this episode:Vyacheslav Molotov, Soviet foreign ministerVasili Alexandrovich Arkhipov, Soviet submarine officer who averted nuclear war during the Cuban Missile CrisisSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

The Hunan Provincial Committee decides that Mao must obey its authority.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaElizabeth Perry, Anyuan: Mining China's Revolutionary TraditionSome names from this episode:Wang Meisheng, Courier between Anyuan and the JinggangshanDu Xiujing, Inspector sent to the Jinggangshan by the Hunan Provincial CommitteeYuan Desheng, Sent to work in the Jinggangshan by the Hunan Provincial CommitteeYang Kaiming, Sent by Hunan Provincial Committee to replace Mao as secretary of the Jinggangshan special committeeYuan Wencai, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

In the wake of their military victories in late Spring 1928, the Communists carried out a major land redistribution and a mass recruitment drive. There were some unforeseen complications.Further reading:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaPang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Marcia Ristaino, China's Art of Revolution: The Mobilization of Discontent, 1927 and 1928Some names from this episode:Wang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongYuan Wencai, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

Mao Zedong and Zhu De learn warfare through warfare as they face continuing onslaughts from Guomindang forces.Further reading/watching:Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaPang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949China: A Century of Revolution documentaryCommunist Party of Nepal (Maoist), “Experiences of the People's Warand Some Important Questions”Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), “Advance in the Great Direction of Creating Base Areas!”Mao Zedong, “Problems of Strategy in China's Revolutionary War”Name from this episode:Sunzi [Sun Tzu], Ancient Chinese generalSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

The unification of Mao Zedong's and Zhu De's forces. Some discussion of the problems involved in unifying the Communist armed forces.Further reading:Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaPang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Some names from this episode:Zhu De, Communist military commanderWang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongYe Ting, Commander of the 4th Army during the Northern ExpeditionChen Yi, Leading Communist who served with Zhu DeYuan Wencai, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongHu Shaohai, Communist from South HunanLin Biao, Communist military officerSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

Discussing pay for professional revolutionaries, the role of servants in the lives of Communist leaders, and the Comintern in Shanghai.Further reading:Patricia Stranahan, Underground: The Shanghai Communist Party and the Politics of Survival, 1927-1937Elizabeth Perry, Shanghai on Strike: The Politics of Chinese LaborWang Fan-hsi [Wang Fanxi], Memoirs of a Chinese RevolutionaryGavin McCrea, Mrs. EngelsFrederick Litten, “The Noulens Affair” Anna Belogurova, “The Civic World of International Communism: Taiwanese communists and the Comintern (1921-1931)”Onimaru Takeshi, “Shanghai Connection: The Construction and Collapse of the Comintern Network in East and Southeast Asia”Jospehine Fowler, “From East to West and West to East: Ties of Solidarity in the Pan-Pacific Revolutionary Trade Union Movement, 1923-1934”Josephine Fowler, Japanese and Chinese Immigrant Activists: Organizing in American and International Communist Movements, 1919–1933Frederic Wakeman, Policing Shanghai, 1927-1937Some names from this episode:Liu Shaoqi, Leading CommunistHe Baozhen, Communist cadre and wife of Liu ShaoqiLi Dazhao, Co-founder of Chinese Communist PartyQu Qiubai, Top Communist leaderWang Fanxi, A member of the Central Committee Organization BureauZhang Guotao, Leading CommunistPeng Shuzi, Leading Communist expelled in 1929Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

How did the Communist Party try to protect itself in Shanghai? We discuss the compartmentalized party organization and the creation of the Special Services Division.Further reading:Patricia Stranahan, Underground: The Shanghai Communist Party and the Politics of Survival, 1927-1937Timothy Cheek, “Making Maoism: Ideology and Organization in the Yan'an Rectification Movement, 1942-1944”Mao Zedong, “Combat Liberalism”Xuezhi Guo, China's Security State: Philosophy, Evolution, and PoliticsSome names from this episode:Qu Qiubai, Top Communist leader from mid-1927 to mid-1928Wang Shiwei, Cadre expelled during Yan'an rectification campaignGu Shunzhang, Zhou Enlai's deputy in the Special Services DivisionHe Zhihua, Zhu De's former lover from Germany, who betrayed the Communist PartySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

The Communist Party Center remained underground in the dangerous city of Shanghai during the late 1920s and early 1930s.Further reading/watching:Patricia Stranahan, Underground: The Shanghai Communist Party and the Politics of Survival, 1927-1937China: A Century of Revolution documentaryJosephine Fowler, Japanese and Chinese Immigrant Activists: Organizing in American and International Communist Movements, 1919–1933Chang Kuo-t'ao [Zhang Guotao], The Rise of the Chinese Communist Party (2 volumes)Wang Fan-hsi [Wang Fanxi], Memoirs of a Chinese RevolutionaryChristina Gilmartin, Engendering the Chinese Revolution: Radical Women, Communist Politics, and Mass Movements in the 1920sFrederic Wakeman, Policing Shanghai, 1927-1937Some names from this episode:Deng Yingchao, Communist Party activist and wife of Zhou EnlaiZhang Guotao, Leading CommunistLin Zhuhan, Leading CommunistLi Weihan, Head of CCP Organizational DepartmentGong Yinbing, CCP treasurerHe Shuheng, Communist cadreLi Lisan, Leading CommunistLiu Shaoqi, Leading CommunistHe Baozhen, Communist cadre and wife of Liu ShaoqiWang Yizhi, Communist cadre and widow of Zhang TaileiZhang Tailei, Leader of Guangzhou CommuneChen Yannian, Chair of Jiangsu Provincial Committee for a very short time until his arrestChen Duxiu, Co-founder of Communist PartyZhu De, Communist military leaderHe Zhihua, Zhe De's embittered lover from GermanyQu Qiubai, Top Communist leader from mid-1927 to mid-1928Wang Fanxi, Member of Organization bureauXu Baihao, Communist union leaderSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

The Party Center puts the South Hunan Special Committee in charge of the Jinggangshan, and the contrast between the strategies advocated by Mao and the Party Center are put on vivid display.Further reading:Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Marcia Ristaino, China's Art of Revolution: The Mobilization of Discontent, 1927 and 1928Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaPang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Some names from this episode:Zhu De, Communist military commanderLi Weihan, member of politburo standing committeeZhou Lu, head of the military branch of the Southern Hunan Special CommitteeWang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongYuan Wencai, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

We look at the successful conquest of three cities (and one heart) by Zhu De during the course of the uprising he led in south Hunan at the beginning of 1928.The link for my new course on academia.edu mentioned at the end of the episode:www.academia.edu/learn/MatthewRothwellFurther reading:Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Marcia Ristaino, China's Art of Revolution: The Mobilization of Discontent, 1927 and 1928Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China's Jinggangshan Base AreaPang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949Stuart Schram, ed., Mao's Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930Christina Gilmartin, Engendering the Chinese Revolution: Radical Women, Communist Politics, and Mass Movements in the 1920sSome names from this episode:Zhu De, Communist military commanderHu Shaohai, Communist from YizhangFan Shisheng, Guomindang general and old friend of Zhu DeXu Kexiang, Notorious Guomindang general known as the Peasant ButchererTang Shengzhi, leader of Guomindang Left military forcesChen Yi, Communist from a scholarly family and staff officer of Zhu DeWu Ruolan, Married Zhu De in LeiyangHe Zizhen, Communist cadre known as the “Two-Gunned Girl General”He Zhihua, Mother of Zhu De's daughterLuo Yinong, Communist leader killed after He Zhihua informed on himSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

Following Zhu De in Shanghai and Germany, finishing up our four-part detour through the early life of Zhu De.Further reading:Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Some names from this episode:Chen Duxiu, first general secretary of the Chinese Communist PartyZhou Enlai, organized branches of the Chinese Communist Party in Europe when he was a student there in the early 1920s, before returning to China to become a leading CommunistSun Bingwen, Zhu De's friend who traveled to Europe and joined the Communist Party with himLi Dazhao, Co-founder of Chinese Communist PartySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

As the Army for the Defense of the Republic faces defections from the revolutionary nationalist cause as well as powerful warlord enemies, Zhu De rethinks the military vocation.Further reading:Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Some names from this episode:Cai E, Republican general and governor of Yunnan after the 1911-12 revolutionYuan Shikai, leader of the Beiyang Army and dictator after the fall of the QingXiong Kewu, Nationalist general turned warlordXiao Jufang, Zhu De's first wifeZhu Baozhu, Zhu De's son (later took name Zhu Qi)Chen Yuzhen, Zhu De's second wifeTang Jiyao, Opium growing Yunnan warlordLei Yongfei, Social bandit in control of part of Sikang provinceSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

Following Zhu De from his time as a teacher of physical training at a modern school, through his time at the Yunnan Military Academy, the Revolution of 1911 and the rebellion against Yuan Shikai.Further reading:Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Some names from this episode:Cai E, Republican general and governor of Yunnan after the 1911-12 revolutionYuan Shikai, leader of the Beiyang Army and dictator after the fall of the QingXiao Jufang, Zhu De's first wifeLu Shaozhen, reactionary chief of staff of Yunnan Army's First DivisionSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)

Taking a look back at the early life of Zhu De, the man who would later be Mao's main partner in revolution.Further reading:Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]Some names from this episode:Zhang Tailei, leader of the Guangzhou Uprising of December 1927Wang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao ZedongShi Dakai, Taiping general who fought a campaign in SichuanEmperor Guangxu, Emperor of China who tried to assert his power during Hundred Days Reform only to be thwarted by the Empress Dowager CixiXi Bingan, Zhu De's teacherEmpress Dowager Cixi, power behind the throne from 1861 to 1908Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DACDMMMEASJVJ)