Long March
The Long March, from 1934–36, was the 6,000-mile historic trek of the Chinese communists, which resulted in the relocation of the communist revolutionary base from southeastern to northwestern China and in the emergence of Mao Zedong as the undisputed party leader. Fighting Nationalist forces throughout their journey, the communist troops crossed mountain ranges and rivers to reach the northwestern province of Shaanxi. The heroism attributed to the Long March inspired many young Chinese to join the Chinese Communist Party.
During the long March, Communist army forces fled their bases in Jiangxi province in south China. Surrounded by the Nationalist army of Chiang Kai-shek, some 80,000 soldiers of the Red Army escaped and headed north. Only 8,000 to 9,000 survived the trek, which ended in the establishment of a new Communist base in Yan'an. The Long March became the central event in Chinese revolutionary mythology.
During the long March, Communist army forces fled their bases in Jiangxi province in south China. Surrounded by the Nationalist army of Chiang Kai-shek, some 80,000 soldiers of the Red Army escaped and headed north. Only 8,000 to 9,000 survived the trek, which ended in the establishment of a new Communist base in Yan'an. The Long March became the central event in Chinese revolutionary mythology.
Long March Poem
Primary source
The Long March by
Mao Zedong (Written in 1935)
The Red Army has no fear for the Long March trials
Leaguing ten thousand streams and hills is daily usual
Heavy gusts from the Five Ridges are but gentle breezes
And the grand Wumeng we tread like clay globules
The steep cliffs on the Jinsha is warmed by lapping waves
The Dadu iron-chain bridge is crossed with no regard for its cold
Mt. Min’s snows a thousand li are greeted in delight
The three troopsmarch on victorious their spirits high
Chinese Text:
长征1935年2月 毛泽东(1893~1976)
红军不怕远征难,万水千山只等闲。
五岭逶迤腾细浪,乌蒙磅礴走泥丸。
金沙水拍云崖暖,大渡桥横铁索寒。
更喜岷山千里雪,三军过后尽开颜。
Citations:
"The Long March 1934 to 1935." The Long March 1934 to 1935. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013.
"Long March (Chinese History)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013.
"What Was the Long March?" About.com Asian History. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013.
Mao Zedong (Written in 1935)
The Red Army has no fear for the Long March trials
Leaguing ten thousand streams and hills is daily usual
Heavy gusts from the Five Ridges are but gentle breezes
And the grand Wumeng we tread like clay globules
The steep cliffs on the Jinsha is warmed by lapping waves
The Dadu iron-chain bridge is crossed with no regard for its cold
Mt. Min’s snows a thousand li are greeted in delight
The three troopsmarch on victorious their spirits high
Chinese Text:
长征1935年2月 毛泽东(1893~1976)
红军不怕远征难,万水千山只等闲。
五岭逶迤腾细浪,乌蒙磅礴走泥丸。
金沙水拍云崖暖,大渡桥横铁索寒。
更喜岷山千里雪,三军过后尽开颜。
Citations:
"The Long March 1934 to 1935." The Long March 1934 to 1935. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013.
"Long March (Chinese History)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013.
"What Was the Long March?" About.com Asian History. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013.