The Xi'an Incident: A Turning Point
- In December 1936, Chiang Kai-shek was kidnapped by his own generals, Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng, in Xi'an.
- Zhang, a warlord from Manchuria, was frustrated by Chiang's focus on the Communists instead of resisting Japanese aggression.
- The incident forced Chiang to negotiate with the CCP, mediated by Zhou Enlai, a senior Communist leader.
- Zhou Enlai's role was pivotal.
- He persuaded Zhang to release Chiang in exchange for a promise to form a united front against Japan.
- The Xi'an Incident highlights the importance of individual agency in history.
- Zhang Xueliang's decision to kidnap Chiang altered the course of Chinese politics and the war against Japan.
Formation of the Second United Front
- The Second United Front was an alliance between the GMD and the CCP to resist Japanese aggression.
- It was not a formal treaty but an agreement to suspend the civil war and coordinate efforts against Japan.
- The CCP agreed to place its forces under nominal GMD command, while the GMD recognized the CCP's legitimacy.
The Second United Front was officially announced in September 1937, two months after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which marked the beginning of full-scale war with Japan.
Impact of the Second United Front
- Military Cooperation:
