Yidi Wu

In this discussion, guest Yidi Wu, an assistant professor of history specializing in modern China, delves into the tumultuous early years of the People's Republic of China. Wu unpacks the political campaigns following the Korean War, including the radical land reform and the harsh Anti-Rightist campaign. She highlights the shift to Soviet-style economic planning prioritizing heavy industry and the transformation of higher education. Additionally, the podcast explores China’s internal tensions and its evolving relationship with the U.S. amid the Sino-Soviet rift.

Yidi Wu, a historian and assistant professor of modern Chinese history, dives deep into the epic journey of the Chinese Communist Party. She traces its roots from the May Fourth Movement to its strategies during the civil war against the Nationalists. Wu reveals how Mao Zedong’s focus on rural reform and land redistribution played a crucial role in shaping the party's success. She discusses foreign influences, the impact of Japan's invasion, and how public sentiment shifted during the civil conflict, ultimately leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China.