The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was officially founded on July 1, 1921. The Russian influence in its formation can be traced back to the ideological and organizational assistance provided by the Soviet Union, particularly during the early years of the CCP. In the early 1920s, China was undergoing significant political upheaval, and various political groups sought guidance and support from abroad. The Comintern, an international communist organization led by the Soviet Union, played a crucial role in fostering ties between the CCP and the Bolsheviks in Russia.
The Soviet Union provided both financial and ideological support to the CCP, helping it consolidate power and establish itself as a significant political force in China. Soviet advisors and Comintern agents assisted in organizing the CCP and training its leaders. The influence of Russian Bolshevism was evident in the early party structure and ideology of the CCP.
Mao Zedong, a founding member of the CCP, played a pivotal role in shaping the party's ideology and strategy. His leadership became increasingly prominent during the Chinese Civil War and the struggle against the Nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek. Mao's military and guerrilla tactics, notably demonstrated during the Long March, contributed to the survival and growth of the CCP.
Mao's influence continued to rise, and he became the paramount leader of the CCP after the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Mao's contributions extended beyond military strategy; he also significantly influenced the party's ideology with his adaptation of Marxist principles to the Chinese context, known as Mao Zedong Thought. Mao's leadership and ideology had a lasting impact on the CCP, shaping China's political landscape for several decades.
