China civil war History Timeline and Biographies

1927

Beginning of the China Civil War

The China civil war officially began in 1927 when the Nationalist government, led by Chiang Kai-shek, launched a purge against the Communists in Shanghai, leading to a violent split between the two factions and igniting a protracted conflict.

1930

First Encirclement Campaign Against the Communists

The Nationalists initiated the First Encirclement Campaign to eliminate the Communist base in Jiangxi province. This marked the beginning of a series of military campaigns aimed at defeating the Communist forces during the China civil war.

1934

The Long March Begins

Facing defeat, the Communist forces undertook the Long March, a strategic retreat to evade the Nationalist army. This journey solidified Mao Zedong's leadership and became a symbol of Communist resilience in the China civil war.

1935

Establishment of the Chinese Soviet Republic

The Communists established the Chinese Soviet Republic in Jiangxi, which served as a base for their operations during the China civil war and showcased their governance model and social reforms.

1937

Second Sino-Japanese War Begins

The outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War temporarily halted the China civil war as both the Nationalists and Communists united against the Japanese invasion, marking a significant shift in focus for both factions.

1945

End of World War II and Resumption of Civil War

With the defeat of Japan in World War II, the China civil war resumed as both the Nationalists and Communists sought to expand their control over China, leading to renewed hostilities and conflict.

1946

Official Resumption of the China Civil War

The Nationalists and Communists officially resumed fighting in 1946, leading to a series of battles that would determine the future of China and the outcome of the civil war.

1947

Communist Victory in Key Battles

The Communists achieved significant victories in various battles throughout 1947, gaining momentum and territory in the ongoing China civil war, which shifted the balance of power in their favor.

1948

Battle of Huaihai and Turning Point

The Battle of Huaihai marked a crucial turning point in the China civil war, with the Communist forces decisively defeating the Nationalists, leading to a collapse of Nationalist control in central China.

1949

Establishment of the People's Republic of China

On October 1, 1949, the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China, marking the official conclusion of the China civil war and the beginning of Communist rule in China.

1949

Nationalists Retreat to Taiwan

Following their defeat in the China civil war, the Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan, where they continued to assert themselves as the legitimate government of China, leading to ongoing cross-strait tensions.

1950

Land Reforms and Consolidation of Power

In the early years following the civil war, the Communist government implemented land reforms to redistribute land from landlords to peasants, consolidating their power and support among the rural population.

1955

Campaign Against Counter-Revolutionaries

The Communist government launched a campaign against perceived counter-revolutionaries, targeting former Nationalist officials and others associated with the previous regime, further entrenching Communist control in post-civil war China.

1971

The People's Republic of China gained international recognition and replaced the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United Nations, marking a significant diplomatic victory for the Communist government established after the China civil war.

1976

Mao Zedong's death in 1976 marked the end of an era in China, with the legacy of the China civil war continuing to influence Chinese politics, society, and the direction of the country for decades to come.