The Chinese Civil War: 1945–49 (Essential Histories)

Description

In this fully illustrated introduction, Dr Michael Lynch provides a concise overview of the Chinese Civil War, a defining conflict in world history. Between the end of World War II and the dawn of the Cold War, one of the most important conflicts in modern history reached its climax. In this illustrated history, bestselling historian Dr Michael Lynch examines how the long struggle between Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists and Mao Zedong's Communists exploded into an intense, brutal and ruthlessly fought civil war. Delving into the political background and complex ramifications of the conflict, he assesses Mao and Chiang's millions-strong armies, their strategies and commanders, and the critical campaigns that won and lost China. By 1949 the Nationalist government was defeated and in exile in Taiwan, and the new People's Republic of China was ready to emerge as a major Cold War power. Updated and revised for the new edition, with full-colour maps and new images throughout, this is a concise study of one of the bloodiest conflicts of the 20th century and its significant repercussions, the issues around which remain unresolved today. Cover Title Copyright Contents Introduction Warring Sides: Nationalists and Communists The Fighting: Strategy and tactics The Great Protagonists: Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong The World Around War: The roles of the Soviet Union and the USA Why the War was Won and Lost: GMD weakness – CCP strength Conclusion and Consequences: The legacy of the Civil War Appendix & Chronology Further Reading Index