Why is China Communist?

Summary

This video explores the significant impact of World War I on China, particularly its role in the conflict and the aftermath of the Treaty of Versailles. Despite China’s contribution through the labor of 140,000 workers, its demands for territorial concessions were ignored, leading to a feeling of betrayal. The May 4th Movement emerged in response, fueling nationalism and anti-Western sentiments. The video also highlights China’s shift towards communism, influenced by the Soviet Union’s Karakhan Manifesto. Ultimately, this period set the stage for the rise of the People's Republic of China and its evolving relationship with the West.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 1914, the Allied powers (Britain, France, and Russia) formed an alliance against the Central Powers (Germany, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian Empires), ending in 1919 with the Treaty of Versailles.
• 😀 The Treaty of Versailles, which aimed to prevent future conflicts, ultimately created more discontent, fueling the rise of Nazi Germany and World War II.
• 😀 World War I had far-reaching effects, including influencing China’s political trajectory and its future relationship with Western powers.
• 😀 Before World War I, China was controlled by the Qing dynasty, which suffered multiple defeats in the Opium Wars and Sino-Japanese War, leading to foreign concessions and a period known as the Century of Humiliation.
• 😀 In 1911, the Qing dynasty was overthrown, and the Republic of China was established, but China’s troubles continued with foreign powers retaining control over parts of the country.
• 😀 To aid the Allies during World War I, China sent workers to Europe, hoping to regain control of foreign-held territories, particularly Shandong.
• 😀 The journey of Chinese workers to Europe was perilous, with many casualties during transport and due to the harsh conditions of their work, particularly on the front lines.
• 😀 After the war, the Republic of China’s hopes for returning concessions were dashed at the Paris Peace Conference, with Germany’s colony of Shandong being given to Japan instead.
• 😀 The failure to secure concessions and recognition of China’s contributions led to widespread nationalism and the May 4th Movement, a response to China’s humiliation by the West.
• 😀 Disillusioned with the West, China turned to the Soviet Union, which offered to return concessions without compensation, gaining Chinese admiration and leading to the rise of Marxism and communist ideology in China.

Q & A

How did China become involved in World War I?

China became involved in World War I by sending laborers to support the Allies. In exchange, China asked for the return of the German-controlled Shandong province. This offer was made by Yuan Shikai's adviser, Liang Shiyi, who saw the war as an opportunity to assert China's power.

What was the significance of the Century of Humiliation for China?

The Century of Humiliation refers to the period when China was subjected to foreign interventions and humiliating defeats, including the Opium Wars and the Sino-Japanese War. During this time, China was forced to make concessions, such as ceding territories to foreign powers, which greatly weakened its national pride and sovereignty.

What was the purpose of the May 4th Movement?

The May 4th Movement was a nationalist protest triggered by China's dissatisfaction with the results of the Treaty of Versailles. It expressed frustration with the West's betrayal and the failure to restore Chinese territories. The movement also promoted cultural and political reforms, including a rejection of Western ideals and the embrace of new political ideologies like communism.

Why did China feel betrayed at the Paris Peace Conference?

China felt betrayed at the Paris Peace Conference because its contributions to the war were ignored, and the promised return of territories, such as Shandong, was not honored. Instead, these territories were given to Japan, exacerbating China's sense of humiliation and fueling nationalism.

How did World War I contribute to the rise of communism in China?

World War I contributed to the rise of communism in China by intensifying dissatisfaction with the West. After being betrayed by Western powers at the Paris Peace Conference, many Chinese intellectuals and youth began to look to the Soviet Union for inspiration. The Soviet Union’s support, including the return of concessions through the Karakhan Manifesto, strengthened the appeal of Marxism and communism.

What was the Karakhan Manifesto, and why was it important to China?

The Karakhan Manifesto, issued by Soviet diplomat Lev Karakhan in 1920, promised the return of Russian-held concessions in China without expecting any compensation. This gesture was well received in China, where it bolstered communist ideals and helped solidify the Soviet Union’s positive image, especially among Chinese intellectuals.

How did Chinese workers contribute to World War I efforts?

Chinese workers contributed significantly to World War I by performing labor in factories, ports, and infrastructure projects for the Allies. Many were also sent to the front lines to complete dangerous tasks, such as retrieving bodies, repairing airfields under attack, and digging trenches. Over 10,000 workers died due to harsh conditions and the Spanish flu.

Why was the Soviet Union viewed more favorably by China compared to Western powers?

The Soviet Union was viewed more favorably by China because it returned concessions to China without asking for compensation, particularly through the Karakhan Manifesto. This contrasted with the betrayal by Western powers at the Paris Peace Conference, making the Soviet Union an ally in China’s eyes, particularly in its struggle against imperialism.

What were the challenges faced by Chinese workers traveling to Europe during World War I?

Chinese workers faced extreme challenges during their journey to Europe, including long and dangerous voyages. Many traveled by sea routes through the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, or South Africa, where some ships were sunk by German submarines. Approximately 3,000 workers died during the journey, and many others perished from disease or harsh working conditions.

What role did Mao Tse-tung play in China’s political evolution after World War I?

Mao Tse-tung, influenced by the communist ideologies introduced by the Soviet Union, would later become a leading figure in China's Communist Party. He was part of the generation of Chinese intellectuals who sought to transform China using Marxism and communism, viewing these ideologies as alternatives to Western democracy and liberalism.