On the Experience of the National Bourgeoisie in the New Democratic Revolution
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 S...
4 Feb 202426min
A New Communist Order in Changting (March 1929)
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: 1893-1949 Agnes Smedley...
13 Jan 202434min
Leaving Donggu, Taking Changting (February to March 1929)
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 Zedon...
7 Des 202322min
From Dabodi to Donggu: The Retreat from the Jinggangshan Continues (February 1929)
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...
19 Okt 202320min
Running for Their Lives: The Retreat from the Jinggangshan (January to February 1929)
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.o...
12 Okt 202322min
Frameworks for Thinking about Tragic Historical Shortcomings of the Socialist Experience
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 Ben...
4 Okt 202328min
The End of the Sixth Congress
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 Chin...
28 Sep 202333min
Clashing Communists and Comintern Guidance: The 6th Congress Gets off to a Rocky Start
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 Party Chang Kuo-t’ao [Zhang Guotao...
21 Sep 202321min
