The end of the Japanese war: the breakdown of Nationalist/Communist cooperation and outbreak of Civil War; the relative political and military strengths of the two sides
When Japan surrendered in 1945, the fragile wartime alliance between China's Nationalists and Communists collapsed. Both sides then fought each other in a civil war to control China.
Real World
Despite US airlifting GMD troops into Manchuria in 1945, the CCP — having spent the war expanding its rural base areas — seized enough Japanese weapons to equip 700,000 soldiers, giving it a military foundation the Nationalists had not anticipated.
Exam Focus
For Civil War questions, compare military morale and popular support alongside troop numbers — mark schemes reward multi-factor analysis over purely military explanations.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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