Role+of+Chiang+Kai+Skek+as+leader+of+the+GMD+during+the+period+1945+-+1949

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 * __ Role of Chiang Kai Skek as leader of the GMD during the period 1945 - 1949


 * Chiang was known as generalissimo (commander in chief of all the armed forces in a certain country) during the WW2 and his role was sometimes seen as a dictator. During the war against Japan, Chiang remained cautious regarding the CCP, thus fought a war against both the Japenese and the CCP.
 * August 1945- Chiang was involved in Peace talks with Mao Zedong sponsered by the US. However nothing concrete was achieved.
 * July 1946- Chiang launched an offensive and the Nationalist Governement under his lead, captured 165 towns and 173 000 km of territory. At this stage of the war, Chiang and the Nationalists had the upper hand, as well as US support. Chiang had tried to preserve his military machine so he could crush the communists. This passive stance against the Japanese caused him to lose support, whilst the CCP gained support through their anti-Japanese resistance.
 * Chiang was elected preseident of the republic of China April 19 1948 at the National Assembly (despite it being boycotted by the CCP and Democratic League) .This became known as the 'democratic constitutional government' period, however the CCP refused to recognise the new Constitution and its government as legitimate.
 * Marshall warned Chiang of possible economic collasp and of a communist victory. Massive inflation followed losing Nationalist support. Chiang believed the US would interevne in order to halt the spread of Communism and thus still reamained hopeful of a Nationalist Victory.
 * Manchuria was a crucial victory for the CCP because Chiang had placed 500 000 of his American trained troops there.General David Barr said it was "The beginning of the end", as what followed has an enourmous loss of morale.
 * Chaing himslef, realised the disunity and poor leadership within the Nationalist party. He criticised his officers saying " Regardless of what the problem they are invariably careless and do not seek a thorough understanding".This was seen as demoralising the army, and lowered morale.Chiang became pessimistic about his own party's victory, which only served to advanced the negative Nationalist situation. Furthermore many provincial armies lacked trust in Chiang (which could be due to his own low morale). Thus 3 million Nationalist soldiers were taken prisoner between July 1946 and January 1949..
 * Chiang expected support from the US, which never fully occured, where and when it was needed. President Truman advised that Chiang's would soon lose to the CCP. Thus many Nationalists blamed the US for cutting off supplies of men and ammunition at important stages.
 * Chaing resigned as preseident January 21 1949. Li Tsung took over as preseident.