The Creation of the Yan'an Soviet in 1936: A Response to Political Turmoil and Military Threats
TITLE
Explain why the Yan’an Soviet was created in 1936.
ESSAY
The creation of the Yan’an Soviet in 1936 was the result of a complex set of factors that stemmed from the challenging circumstances faced by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during this period. The main focus of this response will be on the different aspects that led to the establishment of the Yan’an Soviet:
1. The failure of the Jiangxi Soviet and the Long March:
The Jiangxi Soviet, established by the CCP in the early 1930s, came under intense pressure from the encirclement campaigns launched by the Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) government. The eventual fall of the Jiangxi Soviet in 1934 forced the CCP to embark on the Long March, a strategic retreat to evade the KMT forces. The need to find a new safe haven away from the KMT threat was a crucial factor behind the creation of the Yan’an Soviet.
2. Support from the peasantry:
Mao Zedong's leadership and his emphasis on mobilizing peasant support played a significant role in the decision to establish the Yan’an Soviet. Mao recognized the importance of winning over the peasantry and implemented policies that focused on land redistribution and addressing the poverty in the region. The impoverished state of Yan’an made it a suitable base for implementing these policies and gaining support from the local population.
3. Geographical advantages of Yan’an:
After the Long March, the CCP explored several potential bases before deciding on Yan’an in Shaanxi province. The geographical layout of Yan’an, with its semi-desert terrain and cave-dwellings, offered natural defensive advantages that allowed the CCP to establish a strong position against potential KMT attacks. This strategic location played a key role in the decision to establish the Yan'an Soviet.
4. Positioning against Japanese threats:
The threat posed by Japanese aggression in China from 1931 onwards heightened nationalist sentiments among the Chinese population. By situating the Yan’an Soviet close to areas affected by Japanese aggression, the CCP could portray itself as defenders of Chinese sovereignty and increase its popular support. The anti-Japanese sentiment in China during this period provided additional impetus for the CCP to establish a strong base in Yan’an.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Yan’an Soviet in 1936 was driven by a combination of military, political, economic, and geographical factors. The challenges faced by the CCP during the Long March, coupled with Mao’s strategic vision and the need to secure a safe haven away from KMT threats, all contributed to the decision to create the Yan'an Soviet. Additionally, the support of the local peasants, the geographical advantages of Yan’an, and the opportunity to position against Japanese aggression were key factors in the CCP’s choice of Yan’an as its base of operations.
SUBJECT
HISTORY
PAPER
AS LEVEL
NOTES
Explain why the Yan’an Soviet was created in 1936. The main focus of most responses is likely to be on the Long March, but this can be broken down into a number of related factors:
- The effect of the encirclement campaigns and the fall of the Jiangxi Soviet prompted the Long March and the need to find a safe haven away from the KMT.
- The poverty of the area meant that the peasants would prove to be supportive of CCP policies regarding redistribution of the land of the landlords. Mao’ had established his authority at the Zunyi conference in January 1935. He saw that CCP success would come through support of the peasants.
- After the Long March, the CCP spent several months examining alternative bases in Shaanxi province until deciding upon Yan’an.
- There were geographical advantages in siting the soviet at Yan’an. Its semi-desert terrain and its cave-dwellings allowed for a stronger defensive position to be established by the CCP.
- Since 1931, Yan’an brought the CCP closer to the Japanese and most of the Chinese viewed Japan as a threat to the country. The Yan’an Soviet would allow the CCP to pose as true Chinese patriots and increase popular support. Accept any other valid responses.