Introduction
"The Selected Works of Mao Zedong" is a collection of works by Mao Zedong, the founding dad of individuals's Republic of China and the leader of the Chinese Communist Party from 1935 until his death in 1976. Released in 1951, the book collects speeches, posts, and essays composed by Mao in between 1926 and 1949, which clarify his political viewpoint, method, and strategies. The book is divided into five volumes, each dealing with a specific duration or style in Mao's thought.
Volume One: The Early Years
The very first volume covers the years 1926-1935 and concentrates on the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its initial alliance with the Kuomintang (KMT), the Nationalist Party led by Chiang Kai-shek. Mao's writings throughout this time resolve the need for a united front versus imperialism and foreign aggression, particularly Japanese growth in Northeast Asia.
In this period, Mao likewise begins to establish his theory of protracted people's war, which would end up being a foundation of the Chinese Communist technique during the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of individuals's Republic of China. Mao argues that, provided China's huge size, diverse population, and impoverished status, revolutionary warfare must be customized to the unique conditions of China. The concepts of people's war highlight the importance of developing a broad mass base of support, a progressive technique of surrounding the cities from the countryside, and preserving flexibility in action to altering conditions on the battlefield.
Volume Two: The War of Resistance Against Japan
The 2nd volume covers the years 1936-1941 and focuses on the joined front in between the CCP and the KMT in the fight against Japanese hostility during the Second Sino-Japanese War. During this time, Mao's primary concerns are the need for cooperation in between China's various political factions and the rapprochement between the CCP and the KMT, which would eventually liquify into renewed hostilities.
Despite the fragile alliance, Mao continues to cultivate the development of the CCP and its Red Army, stressing the significance of political education for soldiers and the regional population. The writings in this volume likewise reveal a maturation in Mao's understanding of the complexities of Chinese society, the relationship in between the battle for national self-reliance and social transformation, and the need for ideological versatility in developing a Chinese course to socialism.
Volume Three: The New Democracy
The third volume, spanning the years 1942-1945, improves Mao's vision for a Chinese socialist project grounded in the principle of New Democracy. Turning down both the Soviet design of socialism and China's feudal past, Mao advocates for a transitional stage that consists of the participation of various classes and political groups, all dedicated to the anti-imperialist struggle and the facility of an independent, democratic, and unified China.
During this duration, Mao likewise battles against "dogmatism" and "empiro-criticism" in the CCP, emphasizing the requirement to combine Marxist-Leninist theory with Chinese truth. This synthesis forms the core of Mao's idea, which he calls "Mao Zedong Thought".
Volume Four: Preparing for individuals's Republic
Between 1945 and 1949, the focus of the 4th volume, Mao's writings outline the methods for the upcoming resumption of the civil war versus the KMT and the establishment of individuals's Republic of China. Here, Mao emphasizes the significance of constructing a strong and disciplined revolutionary celebration, extends his analysis of drawn-out individuals's war, and even more consolidates the principles of Mao Zedong Thought.
Volume Five: The People's Republic of China
The 5th volume covers the years following the facility of individuals's Republic of China in 1949. While this volume consists of some writings on domestic policies such as land reform, Mao's primary focus is on the role of China in the emerging Cold War and the requirement for solidarity amongst the socialist countries.
"The Selected Works of Mao Zedong" offers a vital resource for understanding the development of Mao's political idea and the formation of the Chinese Communist Party's policies during this crucial duration in Chinese history. As such, the book stays necessary reading for scholars and trainees interested in the history of China and the global communist motion.
The Selected Works of Mao Zedong
Original Title: 毛泽东选集
A collection of speeches, essays, and letters written by Mao Zedong between 1926 and 1951. The works cover various topics, including Chinese history, culture, military strategy, and communist thought.
Author: Mao Zedong
Mao Zedongs biography, his rise as a Chinese communist leader, and his impact on China. Uncover iconic quotes from the enigmatic Chairman Mao.
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