Proclamation of the People's Republic of China

The People's Republic of China was proclaimed by Mao Zedong, the chairman of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), on October 1, 1949, in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. This event began a new government in China, led by the CCP.

Before this, the CCP had created a smaller government called the Chinese Soviet Republic in 1931, but it did not last long.

During the celebration, the new national anthem, "March of the Volunteers", was played, and a new flag with five stars was shown for the first time. There was also a military parade led by the People's Liberation Army.

By the end of 1949, the government of the Republic of China had moved to the island of Taiwan.

Historical background

Further information: History of the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese Civil War, Chinese Soviet Republic, and Chinese Communist Revolution

The Chinese Civil War was a long fight between two groups, the government led by the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party. This fight began in 1927 and lasted until 1949.

During the war, the Communist Party made their own government in some places they controlled, starting in 1931. Later, they traveled far during a journey called the Long March.

After World War II, the fighting went on until 1949 when the Communist Party took control of most of the country. On October 1, 1949, their leader Mao Zedong announced the start of the People's Republic of China. This happened in front of many people in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. This day is celebrated each year as National Day.

Declaration

On October 1, 1949, at 3:00 PM in Beijing, Mao Zedong announced the creation of the People's Republic of China from the top of the Tiananmen Gate. He said that after many years of struggle, the Chinese people had won freedom and a new government. This new government, called the Central People's Government, was made to lead the country and protect its people.

Mao explained that this new government was chosen by representatives from many groups across China. He announced important leaders, including himself as the chairman, and made key decisions about who would lead different parts of the government. The capital of this new nation was set as Beijing, and the government promised to work with other countries based on fairness and respect.

Celebrations

The first big military parade to celebrate the start of the People's Republic of China happened right after it was announced. About 16,000 soldiers and officers were in the parade. This was the first time China had a large, modern military parade. The parade was led by a commander and watched by the top leader of the army. A band played music, including the army's anthem.

Aftermath

Further information: Retreat of the Republic of China to Taiwan, History of the People's Republic of China, Cross-Strait relations, and Political status of Taiwan

After the People's Republic of China was announced, the government of the Republic of China moved to the island of Taiwan by December 1949. Since then, the Chinese Communist Party has been the only ruling group in China. The People's Republic of China says Taiwan is part of its country, even though many countries still recognized the Republic of China as the true government of all of China. No peace agreement was ever signed to end the old fight between the two sides.

Soon after the People's Republic of China began, the Soviet Union was the first country to say it supported the new government. Other countries that supported communist ideas also did the same. But many Western countries, like the United States, still said the Republic of China was the real government. The new government worked fast to take control of businesses and land.

Reactions

When the People's Republic of China was proclaimed, leaders from the Republic of China, including Chiang Kai-shek, wrote about their thoughts. They called the new government a "puppet regime" of the Soviet Union on the 38th Republic of China National Day.