China’s Revolution & the Quest for a Socialist Future w/ Ken Hammond
Sep 29, 2023
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Professor Ken Hammond discusses China's Revolution & the Quest for a Socialist Future, covering topics like China's economic history, rebellion against Western imperialism, and the country's journey towards socialism. The podcast provides insights into historical roots, challenges faced by individuals, and the legacy of the Boxer Rebellion, offering a deep dive into China's quest for a socialist future.
China's history of resistance included religious and martial movements against imperialism.
The May 4th movement symbolized an ideological shift towards revolution against imperialism.
Mao Zedong's leadership and class analysis were crucial in China's successful revolution.
Deep dives
Rise of Resistance and Rebellion in China
In China, resistance and rebellion against Western imperialism took various forms, including religious movements like the Taiping Rebellion and martial arts communities standing up against economic exploitation. The Boxer Rebellion, often misunderstood in Western histories, was an anti-imperialist movement fueled by deep frustrations and a desire to push back against Western intrusions.
Path to Revolution in China
After years of turmoil and imperial decline, China turned revolutionary in the early 20th century. The May 4th movement in 1919 marked a significant ideological shift against imperialism, fueled by the betrayal at the Versailles Peace Conference and the Bolshevik Revolution. The foundation of the Communist Party in 1921 marked a decisive step towards a revolutionary path.
Challenges and Collaboration in Revolution
The Communist Party faced challenges in navigating the revolutionary path, including collaboration with the bourgeois nationalist party led by figures like Sun Yat-sen and later Chiang Kai-shek. Internal struggles and anti-communist sentiments led to clashes, but Mao Zedong's insights on class analysis highlighted the peasantry's role as a crucial ally in the revolution.
Zunyi Conference and the Long March
The pivotal Zunyi Conference in January 1935 marked a turning point for the Communist Party leadership during the Long March from southern to northwestern China. Here, Mao Zedong's vision of unity between the peasantry and the working class solidified, laying the foundation for the successful revolution that was to follow.
The Long March and Mao's Leadership
The Long March marks a crucial and inspirational turning point in China's history, emphasizing Mao's emergence as a key leader alongside Zhou Enlai. During this march, the agricultural proletariat became pivotal in driving the revolution forward. Despite Japan's invasion and resistance by both the nationalists and communists, Mao's approach based on historical materialism proved successful, leading the revolution to triumph.
From Revolution to Socialist Future
The period post-revolution in China saw significant challenges overcome through land reform, transforming the country's economy and society. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, internal party debates and external pressures led to the Cultural Revolution, reshaping the Communist Party and society. Subsequent reforms under Deng Xiaoping aimed to develop a socialist future through market mechanisms while maintaining the socialist core, paving the way for China's ongoing quest towards prosperity and international impact.
In this episode of Guerrilla History, we bring on Ken Hammond to talk about his new book China’s Revolution & the Quest for a Socialist Future! Here, we provide an overview of modern Chinese history, and Ken makes his case that China is still on the path to a socialist future. This was a fantastic survey of this history, and will serve as a great introduction to a forthcoming mini-series we will be doing with Ken on some specific events in modern Chinese History!
Ken Hammond is Professor of East Asian and Global History at New Mexico State University. He has been engaged in radical politics since his involvement in the anti-war movement at Kent State in 1968-70. He is a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and an activist with Pivot to Peace. You can get the book we discussed in this episode from 1804 books.
