Changes

Marx's original revolutionary theory, formulated in the 1840's, a few decades into the [[Industrial Revolution]] during an extended economic downturn (what we would call a [[recession]] today; under the [[Gold standard]], an economic downturn could last for years and not just several months as payment in [[gold]] was required for [[trade deficit|foreign trade debt]]s), called for disgruntled factory workers to rise up and seize control of the factory (the "means of production").  From there the rebellion would spread to the state and its officials, the police, administrative departments, and the military. Eventually the whole pyramidal structure would collapse as discontent spreads and more people join the revolution. The key, Marx argued, was organizing the workers.  Students also would form an important support group as they would bring the enthusiasm necessary to create a new world.

Marx's original revolutionary theory, formulated in the 1840's, a few decades into the [[Industrial Revolution]] during an extended economic downturn (what we would call a [[recession]] today; under the [[Gold standard]], an economic downturn could last for years and not just several months as payment in [[gold]] was required for [[trade deficit|foreign trade debt]]s), called for disgruntled factory workers to rise up and seize control of the factory (the "means of production").  From there the rebellion would spread to the state and its officials, the police, administrative departments, and the military. Eventually the whole pyramidal structure would collapse as discontent spreads and more people join the revolution. The key, Marx argued, was organizing the workers.  Students also would form an important support group as they would bring the enthusiasm necessary to create a new world.

 

Mao saw things differently.  Mao viewed the regime he was trying to topple as corrupt and without popular support.  He called it a "paper tiger."  Mao didn't need to "organize" factory workers and students to spread discontent, the Republic of China had been fighting a war with [[Japan]] for 15 years already.  The people of China had endured many hardships while Chiang Kai-shek fought two wars simultaneously, one against the Empire of Japan and one against the forces of the Far Eastern [[Comintern]] headed by Mao.  Additionally, the regime under Chaing kai-shek was demoralized and corrupt. Mao hide out in the hills with a band of [[guerilla]]s.  Mao felt he could by-pass his instructions from [[Moscow]] to organize the workers for revolution, and swoop down on the cities when the time was right and power would fall into his hands.

Mao saw things differently.  Mao viewed the regime he was trying to topple as corrupt and without popular support.  He called it a "paper tiger."  Mao didn't need to "organize" factory workers and students to spread discontent, the Republic of China had been fighting a war with [[Japan]] for 15 years already.  The people of China had endured many hardships while Chiang Kai-shek fought two wars simultaneously, one against the Empire of Japan and one against the forces of the Far Eastern [[Comintern]] headed by Mao.  Additionally, the regime under Chaing kai-shek was demoralized and corrupt. Mao hide out in the hills with a band of [[guerilla]]s.  Mao felt he could by-pass his instructions from [[Moscow]] to organize the workers for revolution, and swoop down on the cities when the time was right and power would fall into his hands.