Image of Zhu De (second from right) photographed with Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai (second from left) and Bo Gu (left) in 1937.
Zhu De (1886-1976) was a Chinese military leader, politician, and one of the founding fathers of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). He played a crucial role in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese Red Army, later known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Who was Zhu De?
Zhu De was born into a poor peasant family in Sichuan province, China. He received a traditional Chinese education before pursuing military studies in Japan. Inspired by the 1911 Xinhai Revolution and influenced by Marxism, Zhu De joined the CCP in 1922 and became one of its early leaders.
He is best known for his military leadership during the Chinese Civil War and the Second Sino-Japanese War. He played a key role in the formation and development of the Red Army, which was the military wing of the CCP. Zhu De was known for his guerrilla warfare tactics, strategic planning, and his ability to mobilize and lead troops effectively.
During the Long March (1934-1935), a strategic military retreat undertaken by the Red Army to escape the encirclement of the Nationalist forces, Zhu De served as one of the principal commanders. His leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in the survival and ultimate success of the Red Army during this challenging period.
After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Zhu De held various important positions in the government and the military. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Communist Party and the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission. He played a key role in shaping the PLA into a modern and disciplined military force.
In addition to his military contributions, Zhu De was also involved in political affairs. He was a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the CCP. He played a significant role in implementing land reform and other socialist policies in the early years of the People’s Republic of China.
Zhu De’s military and political contributions earned him immense respect and recognition within China. He was revered as a revolutionary hero and a symbol of the CCP’s commitment to the liberation of the Chinese people.
This Chinese revolutionary passed away in 1976, and his legacy as a military strategist, politician, and key figure in the Chinese Communist revolution continues to be remembered in China’s history.
