‘The most important outcome of the Long March was the emergence of Mao Zedong as leader of the Chinese Communist Party.
Level
AS LEVEL
Year Examined
2021
Topic
China and Japan, 1912–45
👑Complete Model Essay
‘The most important outcome of the Long March was the emergence of Mao Zedong as leader of the Chinese Communist Party.
The Emergence of Mao Zedong as Leader of the Chinese Communist Party
The statement that "the most important outcome of the Long March was the emergence of Mao Zedong as leader of the Chinese Communist Party" warrants a nuanced discussion. While the Long March undoubtedly played a crucial role in solidifying Mao's leadership, it was not the sole determining factor. This essay will argue that the Long March, while significant, was part of a broader trajectory of events that contributed to Mao's rise to power, alongside other key outcomes.
Mao's Position Before and During the Long March
It is crucial to acknowledge that Mao's position within the CCP was far from secure before the Long March. The years leading up to the Long March saw Mao's influence waning. Zhou Enlai, Otto Braun, and Bo Gu had emerged as key decision-makers within the party. Mao's authority was challenged, particularly his military strategies, which had come under scrutiny following setbacks against the Kuomintang (KMT). His brief house arrest and replacement by Zhou Enlai as leader of the Military Commission in July 1934 underscore his precarious position.
The Long March itself, while arduous and fraught with danger, provided the platform for Mao's political maneuvering. The Zunyi Conference of 1935 stands out as a pivotal moment. During this conference, Mao successfully outmaneuvered his political rivals, particularly Bo Gu and Otto Braun. He consolidated his control over the military apparatus of the CCP and emerged as the party's undisputed leader. The Long March, therefore, acted as a crucible, testing loyalties and ultimately working in Mao's favor.
The Long March and the Consolidation of Mao's Power
The Long March, despite its hardships, had several indirect consequences that bolstered Mao's leadership. Firstly, the survival of the CCP itself can be attributed to the Long March. The retreat from Jiangxi to Yan'an, while strategically necessary, showcased the party's resilience under Mao's leadership. The establishment of the Yan'an Soviet provided a haven for the CCP to regroup and rebuild, further consolidating Mao's grip on the party.
Mao skillfully utilized the Yan'an period to cement his ideological hold over the CCP. The Rectification Movement (1941-1944) exemplified this strategy. Under the guise of ideological purification, Mao systematically purged his opponents within the party, suppressing dissent and solidifying his position as the ultimate authority.
Other Outcomes of the Long March
It's important to note that the Long March's significance goes beyond Mao's personal trajectory. The CCP's survival itself was paramount. The Long March transformed the CCP into a symbol of endurance and resistance against both the KMT and the encroaching Japanese forces. The narrative of the Long March, skillfully propagated by the CCP, resonated with the Chinese populace, particularly the peasantry. The CCP, having proven its mettle, was able to garner support and establish itself as a viable alternative to the KMT.
The Long March also brought the CCP closer to the peasant population, which formed the bedrock of its support. By sharing the hardships of the Long March, the CCP leadership, including Mao, fostered a sense of unity and common purpose with the peasantry. This relationship proved invaluable in the years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Long March undeniably served as a pivotal moment in Mao Zedong's rise to power within the Chinese Communist Party, it should not overshadow other contributing factors. Mao's political acumen, the CCP's need for strong leadership in the face of adversity, and the successful propaganda campaign that mythologized the Long March all converged to solidify his position. Furthermore, the Long March's impact extended beyond Mao's personal rise, ensuring the CCP's survival, fostering closer ties with the peasantry, and enhancing the party's legitimacy in the eyes of many Chinese people. Therefore, it would be a reductionist view to consider Mao's emergence solely as the most important outcome of the Long March.
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the Long March and its significance. State your argument - acknowledge that Mao's leadership emergence was a major outcome, but highlight that other significant outcomes shouldn't be overlooked.
Mao's Rise to Leadership
Before the Long March: Briefly outline Mao's weakened position in the early 1930s and the dominance of figures like Zhou Enlai and Bo Gu.
During the Long March: Explain how the Long March became a turning point for Mao. Highlight key events:
⭐His role in military strategy and decision-making (even if initially limited).
⭐The Zunyi Conference (1935) and its impact on shifting power dynamics within the CCP.
After the Long March: Discuss the consolidation of Mao's power in Yan'an:
⭐Establishment of the Yan'an Soviet and its significance.
⭐The Rectification Movement (1941) and its role in solidifying Mao's control over the party.
Other Significant Outcomes of the Long March
Survival of the CCP: Emphasize that the Long March, despite its hardships, allowed the CCP to escape annihilation and regroup.
Propaganda and Popular Support: Explain how the Long March was successfully used as a propaganda tool, creating a narrative of heroism and resilience that resonated with the Chinese peasantry.
Strategic Advantages: Discuss the benefits of the new base in Yan'an:
⭐ Its relative inaccessibility and the opportunity for the CCP to rebuild strength.
⭐ Its strategic location for resisting the Japanese, further bolstering the CCP's image.
Conclusion
Reiterate your argument - acknowledge the centrality of Mao's leadership emergence as a result of the Long March, but emphasize the significance of other outcomes in ensuring the CCP's survival and eventual victory. Briefly mention how these various outcomes were interconnected and contributed to the CCP's ultimate success.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
The most important outcome of the Long March was the emergence of Mao Zedong as leader of the Chinese Communist Party. How far do you agree?
This essay is not about the Long March as such; it requires a consideration of Mao’s position before, during, and after the Long March as well as other outcomes of the Long March.
Key issues in Mao’s rise
Mao’s position had been weakened in 1933, as Zhou Enlai, Otto Braun and Bo Gu became the CCP decision makers. This raises the question, how central was Mao’s role in leading resistance to the 5th encirclement campaign which began against Jiangxi Soviet in September 1933? In July 1934, Mao had been briefly placed under house arrest and replaced by Zhou Enlai, as leader of the military commission. The Long March began in October 1934, and it was Zhou, not Mao, who was consulted about abandoning Jiangxi.
The Long March, however, sealed the personal prestige of Mao, for example, the Zunyi Conference (1935) where Mao won the power struggle with Bo Gu, the 28 Bolsheviks and Otto Braun, taking control of the military command and became the undisputed leader of the CCP. The influence of the Comintern in CCP affairs was reduced significantly. The establishment of the Yan’an Soviet was a result of the Long March, and this haven allowed for the growth of Mao’s control of policy. In 1941, the Rectification Movement was initiated allowing Mao to purge party members over the next three years.
Other outcomes
The Long March ensured the basic survival of the CCP, which had almost been destroyed by the encirclement campaigns. Its consolidation of a base in a relatively inaccessible area of China allowed the CCP to develop its strength and become a viable alternative to the KMT. The Long March and survival of the CCP, also, provided a heroic narrative and won the CCP admiration and support, especially amongst peasants. The new base, also, put the CCP in a better position to directly oppose the incursions of the Japanese thereby strengthening their popular support. Accept any other valid responses.