The struggle between the Nationalists and the Communists went on for a long time.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Chiang had leaders of the city's Communist Party arrested.
2. [1] When there were protests Chiang ordered the army to take control. They killed lots of Communist supporters.
3. [1] Hundreds of thousands of Communists were killed.
4. [1] There were public executions of Communists.
5. [1] Chiang took control of the city.
6. [1] Communist members of the city government were thrown out.
7. [6] Chiang Kai-shek believed the five extermination campaigns were necessary to eliminate the Communists, whom he saw as an obstacle to unifying and reforming China. As the leader of the Kuomintang since 1925, he initially worked with the Communists but later decided that their growing power, particularly in the countryside, and their establishment of a rival government from their strongholds, posed a direct threat to his vision for a unified China. The campaigns were thus designed to isolate and destroy Communist influence.
8. [1] He wanted to completely destroy the power of the Communists.
9. [1] The Communists controlled much of the countryside of China.
10. [1] He wanted to unify China.
11. [1] The Communists were operating a rival government from their strongholds.
12. [10] Leadership was the main factor determining the Civil War's outcome. Mao's leadership established crucial principles for the Communists, focusing on winning peasant support by treating them well, living among them, and promising land. This strategy was vital given that peasants constituted the largest group in China, providing the Communists with mass support. Mao's charismatic leadership ensured unity of command and clear direction. OR Other factors were important. The Nationalists' corruption was highly unpopular, even leading the Americans to withdraw support. This corruption caused the Nationalists to lose public support, with soldiers deserting to join the Communists, who were seen as national defenders. Additionally, the Communists' effective tactical approach, favoring small attacks over large battles, significantly contributed to their success.
13. [1] The Nationalists were weakened by the war against the Japanese.
14. [1] Chiang's desire for a powerful centralised government meant he upset too many different groups in China.
15. [1] Mao made sure the Communists won over the peasants.
16. [1] The Communists were given help by the USSR.
17. [1] The corruption of the Nationalists lost them much support.
18. [1] The charismatic leadership of Mao gave the Communists a unity of command.
19. [1] The Communists were seen as standing up to the Japanese more.
20. [1] The Communists used better tactics such as small attacks rather than large battles.
21. [1] Chiang failed to give the Nationalists clear and popular leadership.
22. [1] The Nationalists were seen by the Chinese people as corrupt.