Today, we reflect on a pivotal moment in the Chinese revolution. On September 9, 1927, Mao Zedong led the Autumn Harvest Uprising in Hunan. Although this uprising failed, Mao and his troops traversed rugged mountain paths to Jinggangshan, where he began to establish a revolutionary base.
The Red Army was weak, further hampered by frequent military encirclements and strict economic blockades imposed by enemy forces. Following the failures of uprisings in Nanchang, Guangzhou, and the Autumn Harvest, many became pessimistic about the future of the Red Army, questioning whether the Jinggangshan revolutionary base could endure and how long the red flag could continue to fly.
To address these concerns and clarify the theoretical path for China's revolutionary development, Mao analyzed the situation, studied the theory of red power, and authored two key works: "Why Can China's Red Power Exist?" and "The Struggle at Jinggangshan."
In October 1928, Mao noted, "Within a country, surrounded by white power, there exist small areas of red power for an extended period; this is something that has never happened in any country in the world. The occurrence of this extraordinary event has its unique reasons."
At Jinggangshan, in January 1930, Mao expressed his belief that the climax of the Chinese revolution was nearing. He famously stated, "星星之火，可以燎原" (Xīngxīng zhī huǒ, kěyǐ liáoyuán), meaning "A single spark can start a prairie fire." He likened the situation to "a ship that can already see the tips of the masts standing on the shore and gazing into the sea; a sun rising on the summit of a high mountain, radiating light and brilliance to the East; or a baby stirring in its mother's womb, about to mature and be born."
These events reveal several qualities about Mao Zedong. First and foremost, Mao was a visionary who could foresee a bright future during one of the darkest periods in history. This ability stemmed from his thorough study and understanding of China's unique circumstances.
Second, Mao was optimistic and resilient. His unwavering belief in the revolution's success was rooted in his grasp of the revolutionary movement and historical trends in China. He maintained optimism despite widespread doubt and hardship, viewing setbacks not as definitive failures but as part of a broader historical process.
Third, it is remarkable that Mao recognized the survival of small, isolated areas of red power, surrounded by vast hostile forces, as unprecedented while believing in their inevitable survival and triumph. This demonstrates his ability to identify and seize opportunities for victory amidst adversity, recognizing that even in the most hostile environments, revolutionary power can survive and thrive.
Fourth, Mao's writings reflect his strategic foresight and profound theoretical prowess, ultimately providing a blueprint for the revolution's victory against overwhelming odds. By asserting that the red flag could prevail even in its darkest moments, Mao established a new model, based not on traditional urban-centered uprisings but on rural guerrilla warfare and base areas like Jinggangshan. This theory would become the foundation of Mao’s revolutionary strategy, leading to the victory of the Communist Party of China and the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October the First, 1949, the day China celebrates today.
Finally, Mao's analogy of "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire" and his conviction in the inevitability of revolutionary success exemplify his visionary perspective. This outlook helped sustain morale and unity among his comrades, signaling that despite current hardships, a brighter future was within reach.