Road Is Made: Communism in Shanghai 1920-1927

This book explores the activities, ideas, and internal life of the Chinese Communist Party in Shanghai during its formative period, examining its relations with various groups in the city and the efforts to transform it into a Leninist party. It also analyzes the three armed uprisings that led to the CCP's briefly taking power in 1927, highlighting the extent to which the Soviet Union sought to manipulate China's national revolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate tapestry of the Chinese Communist Party's activities, ideas, and internal dynamics during its formative years in Shanghai. It explores the intricate web of relationships the party cultivated with various segments of the city's population, including students, teachers, women, entrepreneurs, secret societies, and workers. Through meticulous analysis, the book sheds light on the efforts undertaken to transform the CCP into a Leninist party, examining the complex interplay between intellectuals, workers, men, and women, as well as the dynamics between Chinese and Russian members within the party.

The narrative unfolds chronologically, tracing the party's ascent to power in March 1927, following three armed uprisings. It highlights the extent to which the Soviet Union sought to manipulate China's national revolution, yet also reveals the internal divisions within the Comintern that allowed the CCP to achieve a degree of independence and pursue policies that deviated significantly from Moscow's directives.

The study underscores the complexities and contradictions inherent in the CCP's early years, as it navigated the treacherous waters of political power and ideological development. It sheds light on the challenges faced by the party in consolidating its hold on the city and establishing a stable base for its future growth. Moreover, the book provides valuable insights into the broader context of the Chinese revolution, highlighting the international influences and geopolitical tensions that shaped its course.

In conclusion, this study is a seminal contribution to the understanding of the Chinese Communist Party's origins and development. It offers a rich and detailed account of the party's formative years in Shanghai, providing a valuable lens through which to examine the broader historical context of the Chinese revolution. Through its meticulous research and insightful analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of political power, ideology, and social change, and sheds light on the enduring legacies of the CCP's early years.

Weight: 603g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138863200