Cooperation and confrontation: Formation of the second united front between the CCP and the GMD, 1931-1941.

摘要

The period from 1931 to 1941 in Chinese history is important in that it witnessed the formation of an Anti-Japanese National United Front between the two major political parties, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Guomindang (GMD). The most important factor that made this possible was the impact of Japanese aggression on the Chinese people and the two parties. In response to public pressure and in seeking to protect their own interests, the two parties had to change their mutually hostile polices and join efforts to fight against a common enemy. A fierce civil war came to an end and after strenuous negotiations, a united front was established in 1937. A unique period thus began in which the CCP and the GMD were able to cooperate in many areas in order to prosecute the war. Unfortunately, this situatioin did not last long and fundamental differences soon led to serious confrontation. Even so, relations between the two parties never totally broke off.;It is evident that during this period of cooperation and confrontation, the CCP was quicker to respond to the changing circumstances and, as a result, increasingly strengthened its position and influence in the nation. The GMD, while also making commendable efforts to resist Japan, was unable to implement policies that could match those of the CCP and steadily lost its support among the population.;This dissertation presents a succinct, factual account and analysis of major developments in relations between the CCP and GMD from 1931 to 1941. It examines the circumstances in which the two parties initiated a shift in their policy orientation, the process that led to the formation of the united front and once it was established, the impact it had on their mutual relations and on China.;Research is based mainly on material that have been made available in recent years in China. Results of personal investigations and interviews also contributed to the writing of this dissertation.