CIVIL WAR IN ASIA 1929-1953

3 main questions:
Þ Why did war break out in the Pacific?
Þ What were the main events of the Second World War in Asia?
Þ What were the consequences of the Second World War for Japan and China?

Why did war break out in the pacific?

1. Militarism growth in Japan in 1930s

• The growth of support for the military in Japan in the late 1920s, the League of Blood
Incident (1932), the 15 May Incident (1932), the 26 February Incident (1936).

2. Japanese expansionist power

• In the 1920s and 30s, they pursued aggressive expansionism, seeks to acquire territory
and resources in Asia for e.g., Brunei and Malaysia 1941.
• Aimed to establish the ‘Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere’ with economic
dominance.
• Invasion in Manchuria 1931 (Save Japan from GR8 Depression cause of imports of soya
bean, bean cake and coal’ and military Campaigns in China 1937 and SEA 1941-1942
fueled tensions.

3. Colonial Rivalries
• The presence of colonial territories and spheres of influence created a complex web of
competing interests and rivalries among the major powers in the Pacific region.
(Everyone was fighting for control) For e.g., British control Malaya. SG, Hong Kong,
Burma, Brunei (Strategic for Rubber, oil, tin, and timber trading posts for the British
empire.

4. Economic Factors
• Japan face with limited natural resources thus they sought to secure access to oil,
rubber, and other raw materials in SEA to support for power (To go against big western
powers) end of free trade due to GR8 depression in US and UK.

5. US Reaction to Japanese aggression

• Grudge: Economic sanctions imposed on Japan by US due to its aggression in China,
contributed to escalation on hostility. For e.g failure of talks between the United States
and Japan, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, US declaration of war.

6. Nationalism and independence movements

• Nationalist movement increased in Asian countries, educated citizens, wanted to
challenge foreign dominance, and achieve independence. For e.g., China, communist
 party, and nationalist party (Kuomintang) temporarily united to confront Japanese
aggression.

What were the main events of the Second World War in Asia?

1. How successful Japan was in first year of the year.

• Early Japanese success: the occupation of Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaya
and Singapore, Brunei, and Burma. Reasons success: the temporary weakness of the
United States, the Western powers’ focus on fighting Nazi Germany.
• Survival of US Pacific fleet after Pearl Harbor and US ability to repair damaged
battleships quickly, the Japanese failed to destroy oil reserves at Pearl Harbor, the US
switch to war production and declare war.

2. Mid 1942 a turning point in war

• Doolittle raid April 1942 and impact on Japanese morale (forced the Japanese to recall
combat forces for home defense, raised fears among the Japanese civilian, proven to
them that the US will retaliate)
• Battle of coral sea May 1942 Use of aircraft launched from ships, loss of protection on
Japan.
• Battle of Midway 1942 Japan losses and impact on battle remainder of the war

3. Why and how was Japan defeated in 1945.

• Reason for defeat: Island hopping and US submarine blockade, Japanese issue with
extended empire Guadalcanal, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, the bombing of Japan Hiroshima and
Nagasaki (Aftermath of pearl harbour) Japanese surrender and liberation of Japanese
prisoners of war.

4. What were the impacts of the war on civilians in occupied lands in Japan?

• Indonesia and the Phillipines: Japanese invasion, military administration, exploitation on

raw materials, conscription of forced labour by Kempetai (Soldiers for measures)
Nipponisation and economic impacts.
• Tried to win support on nationalist groups. Indonesia: 3A movement Putera, Peta
Masjumi, Angkatan muda, Philllipines: Kalibapi and the constitutional commission
• Resistance and collaboration, movements, and leaders. Indonesia: Sukarno, Hatta,
Sjarifuddin,Sjahrir. Philippines: Hukbalahap, Taruc and Alejandrino, J P Laurel, the ‘peso
millionaires’
• Impact on Japanese civilians: impact of firebombs, Operation Starvation and food
shortages, evacuation and refugees, use of propaganda, reverence for the emperor and
the shock of defeat.
What were the consequences of the IIND World war for Japan and China?

1. What actions were taken against Japan for its role in the IInd WW?

• Tokyo Trials & downgrading the emperor’s status: The International Military Tribunal for
the Far East, commonly known as the Tokyo Trials, were held from 1946 to 1948. The
trials prosecuted high-ranking Japanese officials for war crimes, crimes against
humanity, and other atrocities committed during the war. The trials resulted in the
conviction and punishment of several individuals, including military and political leaders.
(Bans former military leaders to take roles on new government)
• Demilitarization and Disarmament: Japan was subjected to extensive demilitarization
and disarmament measures following the war. The country's military forces were
significantly reduced, and restrictions were imposed on its military capabilities. The new
Japanese constitution, known as the "Constitution of Japan" or the "Postwar
Constitution," established in 1947, included provisions renouncing war and prohibiting
the maintenance of armed forces with war potential.
• Occupation and Reconstruction: Japan was occupied by Allied forces led by the United
States from 1945 to 1952. The occupation aimed to oversee Japan's transition to a
democratic society, implement political and economic reforms, and rebuild the country.
General Douglas MacArthur served as the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers
(SCAP) during this period.

2. What reforms took place in Japan’s government, society, and economy after defeat?

• GOVERNMENT REFORMS: The 1947 Constitution established a parliamentary

democracy, guaranteeing fundamental human rights, separation of powers, and the
renunciation of war. It also granted universal suffrage and equality before the law.
ECONOMIC REFORMS: Reverse course
For e.g., Break of Zaibatsu (Wealthy clique any large company in Japan), food relief
Reverse course: Economic reforms, importance of Korean War for the Japanese
economy. Land Reform: Land reform measures were implemented to address the
concentration of land ownership in Japan. Large landholdings were broken up and
redistributed among farmers, leading to the formation of a more equitable agricultural
sector.
SOCIAL REFORMS: Changes in the education system Occupation authorities introduced
new textbooks and revised curricula to remove militaristic and nationalistic elements,
emphasizing democratic values, human rights, and peace education.

3. Why was there a Civil war in China?

• Chinese Nationalist (Kuomintang) and Communist Party beliefs: Long-standing Political
Tensions: two parties had different ideologies, with the CPB advocating for communist
revolution and the establishment of a socialist state, while the KMT promoted a
nationalist and more conservative agenda.
• Ideological Differences and Power Struggles: The ideological differences between the
CCP and the KMT, along with power struggles within each party, intensified the conflict.
The CCP, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, appealed to the rural peasants and
implemented land reforms, while the KMT, led by Chiang Kai-shek, focused on urban
elites and business interests.
• Impact of the Japanese invasion in 1937: The Japanese invasion of China in 1937 during
the Second Sino-Japanese War had a profound impact on the political landscape. The
war with Japan united various factions within China against a common enemy. Both the
Nationalists and the Communists temporarily put aside their differences to form a
united front against the Japanese invasion.
• Weaknesses of the Nationalists and strengths of the Communists: The Nationalist Party,
led by Chiang Kai-shek, faced several internal and external challenges that weakened
their position. Corruption, inefficiency, and the inability to address social and economic
issues eroded popular support for the Nationalists. In contrast, the Chinese Communist
Party, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, capitalized on popular grievances,
implemented land reforms, and gained support among the rural population.
• Chinese Civil War: The Chinese Civil War, which began in 1945 after the end of World
War II, was a continuation of the power struggle between the Nationalists and the
Communists. The war escalated as both sides sought to expand their control and
influence across China. The Communist forces, through guerrilla warfare tactics and a
strong peasant support base, were able to gradually gain the upper hand against the
Nationalists.
• The Battle of Huaihai: fought between November 1948 and January 1949, was a decisive
battle in the Chinese Civil War. It took place in the Huai River region of central China and
resulted in a significant victory for the Communist forces. The Nationalist forces suffered
heavy losses, leading to the collapse of their defense lines and a major turning point in
the war.
• Flight of Chiang Kai-shek to Formosa (Taiwan): As the Communist forces gained the
upper hand in the civil war, Chiang Kai-shek and the remnants of the Nationalist
government fled to the island of Taiwan (then known as Formosa) in 1949. This marked
the division of China into two separate entities: the People's Republic of China on the
mainland under Communist control and the Republic of China on Taiwan under
Nationalist control.

4. Why did the communists win the Chinese Civil War?

The Communists, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under the leadership of
Mao Zedong, emerged victorious in the Chinese Civil War for several key reasons:

• Popular Support and Mobilization: The Communists were able to mobilize a broad base
of support, particularly among the rural peasantry. They implemented land reforms,
redistributed land to the peasants, and addressed their grievances, which garnered
 them significant support. The CCP also promoted grassroots organizing, which helped
them establish a network of support and effectively mobilize the population.

• Effective Guerrilla Warfare Tactics: The Communists employed effective guerrilla

warfare tactics against the Nationalist forces. They used hit-and-run tactics,
decentralized command structures, and knowledge of the local terrain to their
advantage. These tactics allowed them to outmaneuver and wear down the larger
Nationalist armies.

• Unity and Discipline: The Communists had a strong sense of unity and discipline within
their ranks. The party structure provided a cohesive framework, and strict discipline
was maintained among their troops. This allowed for effective coordination and
execution of military strategies.

• Leadership and Ideological Appeal: Mao Zedong's leadership and ideological appeal
were instrumental in rallying the Communist forces. Mao's charisma, ability to inspire
his followers, and his vision of creating a socialist society resonated with many Chinese
people who were disillusioned with the corruption and inequalities under the
Nationalist rule.

• Foreign Support and Factors: The Communist forces received support from the Soviet
Union, both in terms of military aid and ideological guidance. The Soviet Union
provided resources, training, and strategic advice, which strengthened the Communist
capabilities. Additionally, the divisions and weaknesses within the Nationalist forces,
including corruption, low morale, and ineffective leadership, played a role in their
defeat.

• Timing and Strategic Opportunities: The Chinese Civil War coincided with a period of
post-World War II global realignments. The changing international dynamics, including
the withdrawal of Japanese forces and the shift of focus by major powers, created
favorable conditions for the Communists to consolidate their power and expand their
influence.

It is important to note that the victory of the Communists was not solely due to their
strengths, but also to the weaknesses and shortcomings of the Nationalist forces led by
Chiang Kai-shek. The Nationalists faced challenges such as corruption, inflation, and a
lack of popular support, which undermined their position and contributed to their
defeat.

Overall, the Communists' ability to mobilize popular support, employ effective military
tactics, maintain discipline and unity, and receive foreign support were crucial factors
that led to their victory in the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of the People's
Republic of China in 1949.