Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-Shek

Paper Summary:

This paper compares and contrasts the personalities of Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-Shek. The paper discusses the characteristics and actions of both men and their relationship with each other. After providing examples from their lives, the paper concludes that while their personalities appear to have had some similarities, particularly that both men were resolute, Mao was a far more ruthless and intolerant man.

From the Paper:

"On the other hand, the most outstanding aspect of Chiang's personality appears to have been his fixity of purpose. This fixity of purpose played no small part in the fact that Chiang's Kuomintang party became the official government of China in the early 1930's. However, his army was defeated by Mao's army in 1949, clearing the way for Mao to found the PRC. While Mao went on to be dictator of China, Chiang was able to become the dictator of the Republic of China on the island of Taiwan for 26 years. Thus, one thing the two men certainly had in common was that they both came from relatively humble beginnings to eventually be dictators for decades - no mean feat, and certainly a testament to the very strong characters of both of them."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fenby, Jonathan. Chiang Kai-Shek: China's Generalissimo and the Nation he Lost. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2004.
• Lynch, Michael. "Mao Zedong: Liberator or Oppressor of China? Michael Lynch Introduces the Controversial Career of a Gargantuan Figure in Chinese and Modern World History." History Review, 2002: 10+.
• Spence, Jonathan. Mao Zedong: A Life. New York: Penguin, 1999.

More papers on Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-Shek:

• Term Paper # 131956 : "Personalities of Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-Shek"
• Argumentative Essay # 102713 : "Mao and the Long March"
• Essay # 4212 : "The Taiwan Straits Crisis of 1958"

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