The Founding of a Republic

In August 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender, ending eight years of war. The Kuomintang proclaims control over the country, but its authority is patchy beyond major cities. The Chinese Communist Party, by contrast, has built a strong political, military, and popular base in liberated areas behind enemy lines.

Mao Zedong and other CCP leaders travel to Chongqing to meet with Chiang Kai-shek, seeking a peace negotiation and the framework for a democratic nation. The talks aim to ease civil conflict and establish a power-sharing path, though underlying distrust remains. The meeting underscores a brief window of cooperation between the warring sides.

On October 10, 1945, Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek signed the Double Tenth Agreement with the China Democratic League's assistance. The pact pledged to stop the civil war and to work toward a multi-party government within China. It represented a formal, high-profile bid for peace, even as fundamental differences persisted.

Despite the signing, deep-rooted differences between the CCP and KMT proved insurmountable. The following year, 1946, the agreement broke down, and civil war pressures resumed across the country. The fragile peace gave way to renewed hostilities as both sides vied for control.

From July 1947 onward, the PLA shifts from strategic defense to offense in regions under KMT rule. This marks the start of a broad liberation campaign as Communist forces press their momentum across central and southern China. The balance of power begins to tilt decisively in favor of the CCP.

Chiang Kai-shek calls for a National Assembly in Nanjing as part of the ROC's postwar reshaping. He is elected as the first President of the Republic of China, signaling an attempt to legitimize governance amid the escalating civil conflict.

Li Zongren, a rival within the KMT, is elected vice president, highlighting internal party tensions despite the new political facade. The arrangement underscores competing factions within the ROC government during the transitional period.

In May 1948, the CCP issued the May Day Declaration in Baoding, Hebei, proclaiming the overthrow of the KMT and urging the prompt convening of a Political Consultative Conference. It also called for the establishment of a People’s Congress and a democratic coalition government. The declaration energized the united front and intensified the political struggle.

During this period, corruption within the KMT escalates, undermining governance and eroding public support. At the same time, the Northeastern front grows more urgent as CCP forces gain ground and pressure mounts on ROC positions.

The CCP declares the opening of a War of Liberation against the ROC government, and the democratic united front expands as parties like the China Democratic League, the Revolutionary Committee (China), and notable figures join the movement. This broad alliance consolidates opposition to the KMT across multiple political circles.

Following CCP victories, the First Plenary Session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference is held in Beijing, signaling a move toward a coordinated political framework outside the KMT-dominated system.

On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaims the founding of the People's Republic of China, with Beiping (Beijing) formally named as the capital. The ceremony marks the dawn of a new era in Chinese history.

In December 1949, Chiang Kai-shek is forced to resign as president, and his forces retreat to Taiwan. The ROC government relocates its seat as the CCP consolidates control over the mainland.