The Jinggangshan Junction of Forces: Mao Zedong and Zhu De Unite (April to May 1928)

The unification of Mao Zedong’s and Zhu De’s forces. Some discussion of the problems involved in unifying the Communist armed forces.

Further reading:
Agnes Smedley, The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh [Zhu De]
Stephen Averill, Revolution in the Highlands: China’s Jinggangshan Base Area
Pang Xianzhi and Jin Chongji, Mao Zedong: A Biography, vol. 1: 1893-1949
Stuart Schram, ed., Mao’s Road to Power, vol. 3: From the Jinggangshan to the Establishment of the Jiangxi Soviets, July 1927-December 1930

Some names from this episode:
Zhu De, Communist military commander
Wang Zuo, Bandit leader who joined with Mao Zedong
Ye Ting, Commander of the 4th Army during the Northern Expedition
Chen Yi, Leading Communist who served with Zhu De
Yuan Wencai, Bandit leader who joined with Mao Zedong
Hu Shaohai, Communist from South Hunan
Lin Biao, Communist military officer

Support the show