Why was communism so appealing to the peasants of China in the early 20th Century?

Answer 1

The Chinese were attracted to the Communists at first because the alternatives were (i) collaborating with the Japanese occupiers, or (ii) siding with the Nationalists who were corrupt and incompetent.

The Communists were dirt poor but offered the promise of a better life, particularly for women and people in the rural areas.

Answer 2

In accordance with nations that embraced communism, its appeal to China before 1949 resided in its promise to bring unified concord and peaceful orchestration to a dire setting of fragmentation and unruly chaos. It also had attractive aspects that derived from the war and the domestic changes occurring, as well as China’s desire to organize the working class within their country. Mao Zedong emerged as the party’s executive leader, moving towards a new revolutionary strategy that differed from Marxist and Russian practices, gathering strength and support from immense peasant numbers. Appealing aspects such as gorilla warfare in numerous battles, experimental land reform under communist control, attempts at feminist motions to increase female power, and the immense communist military force designed to protect liberated areas from Guomindang invasions and landlords’ reprisals attracted many to the communist party. Also, the CCP gained the devout support of Chinese peasants by promising military protection from any landlords’ reprisals, thus dramatically increasing their influence and authority throughout the general populace.

Answer 3

During the 20th century, much of China was rural and peasant life was harsh. The current government at the time was corrupt and abusive. Many Chines peasants had lost their land for a number of reasons and due to that, there was nationwide opposition against the Nationalists. When the ideologies of communism began arriving in China, it appealed to the lower class citizens because it advocated for a classless society. Additionally, the Communist leaders who arose during the time (i.e., Mao Zedong) promised that the land would be returned to the peasants. This helped the Communist regime during the Chinese Civil War grow exponentially in popularity among the farmers and villagers.

Basically, the appeal communism had to the Chinese peasants was attributed to its promises of social stability and a classless society. When the Communist Party of China was established, it vowed to return all the land that was lost and taken from those peasants. With such a positive impact Communism would bring to the nation being promised by its advocates, the offer was practically irresistible.

Answer 4

Communism was appealing to the peasants of China in the early 20th Century because their life was harsh, with the government being abusive and corrupt. A lot of Chinese peasants lost their land due to a lot of reasons, like unpaid loans. Mau Zedong told peasants that everyone will be equal, and in Communism, there won't be a lower or higher class. This appealed to them because peasants thought that was fair.