Studying Marxism and Getting Thrown in Jail: Zhu De in Germany (1922-1926)
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] S...
20 Nov 202121min
Zhu De and The Army for the Defense of the Republic in Sichuan and Yunnan (1916-1922)
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: Agne...
2 Nov 202124min
From Gym Teacher to General: Zhu De in Revolution and Rebellion (1907-1916)
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. Fur...
23 Sep 202120min
From Poor Peasant to Gym Teacher: The Early Life of Zhu De
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] So...
16 Sep 202127min
Engels on Insurrection
The story behind how guidance on communist armed struggle got into a major American newspaper in 1852. Listener requested background on the text used by Lenin and which was so influential in the Guang...
9 Sep 202124min
The Guangzhou Commune (December 11-13, 1927)
The last major armed uprising of 1927, in which the Communists temporarily took over Guangzhou. Further reading: Arif Dirlik, “Narrativizing Revolution: The Guangzhou Uprising (11-13 December 1927) i...
2 Sep 202121min
Red Canton: Background to the Guangzhou Uprising of December 1927
Some background on the situation in Guangzhou leading up to the uprising. Further reading: Arif Dirlik, “Narrativizing Revolution: The Guangzhou Uprising (11-13 December 1927) in Workers’ Perspective...
26 Aug 202121min
‘Blind Actionism’ in Action: Understanding the Hundreds of Small Revolts Led by Communists at the End of the 1920s in China
Using the early November 1927 peasant revolt in Jiangsu province to illustrate features common to the many small Communist-led uprisings at the end of the 1920s. Further reading: Marcia Ristaino, Chi...
19 Aug 202123min
